How Did Beane and McDermott “Drain The Swamp” At One Bills Drive So Quickly?

[BuffaloRush]

One of the most remarkable things about the hiring of McDermott and Beane (to a lesser extent) is how they have eesentiallu completely turned over the entire organization and the football roster as well.

 

if you recall in 2014, when Terry Pegula bought the team very little changed.  Russ was moved to President as PSE but the overall structure seemed very similar (one exception was Rex reporting to TP and not the GM).  Essentially the same decision makers who “tarnished the brand” for year were still employed and in power to make questionable decision.

 

Cut to 2017, when McDermott was hired he immediately made big changes by firing the following long-time employees

 

PR Scott Berchtold (still a “consultant” but powerless”)

GM Doug Whaley 

Jim Monos (Director of Pro Personnel

Buddy Nix (Still was working as a scout)

Whaley’s Entire Scouting Dept

James Trapp (Chaplan)

Paul Lancaster (Director of Engagement)

Michael Lyons (Director of Analytics)

Entire Analytics Staff

Bud Carpenter (Trainer)

Shone Gibson (Trainer)

 

This leaves Jim Overdorff as really the last connection to Ralph Wilson.

 

So here is my question - how did McDermott do it?  It just seems unprecedented that someone could come in an clean house within the span of year - nonetheless a coach and GM.

 

I remember hearing that Marrone was not happy with some of these people and yet he was not successful at getting any of them fired.  He had problems with Whaley but Terry elected to keep him.  I guess what I’m wondering is why was McDermott and Beane able to drain the swamp, whereas Marrone was not able.  

 

It seemed as though the Pegula’s were pretty happy with their staff and yet within a year everyone was fired.  

 

How do you think this went down behind the scenes?

 

 

 

Edited May 3, 2018 by BuffaloRush

[Over 29 years of fanhood]

Results give you credibility 

[26CornerBlitz]

Is this something unusual when a team hires a new coach and GM?  No. 

[TroutDog]

I agree with 26. But, when Pegula’s originally purchased the team, they specifically stated they were going to leave things as they were, admitting that they were ‘green’. Understandable but, not so shockingly, led to the same result on the field. 

 

When McD was hired, I believe they had realized that a complete overhaul was needed and that this included culture. Ridding an organization of people is one way to very clearly let people know that a new sheriff is in town and they have McD the power to do it. 

 

I, for one, am glad they came to the realization. 

[whatdrought]

17 minutes ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

Is this something unusual when a team hires a new coach and GM?  No. 

 

It's unusual for Buffalo. 

[May Day 10]

thats what happens when a franchise is on moth balls for 20 years and someone comes in, throws the curtains aside and opens a window to the outside world.

 

lack of "continuity", bad luck, Patriots, etc did not cause the drought.  Buffalo Bills "management" did.

[JoeF]

30 minutes ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

Is this something unusual when a team hires a new coach and GM?  No. 

Agree CB. 

 

My speculation...McD showed the Pegulas a plan to transition leadership in the administration, personnel, player and coaching side.  They liked the plan and gave him the direct pipeline but they wanted to be kept informed.  This would be a normal transition.  Whaley, Berchtold, etc were all as good as gone the day he walked in...but you don't fire the personnel staff in January when they have all the draft information.  

 

McD built his coaching staff and looked at the other parts of the organization including the players.  He found that the loser mentality permeated parts of the organization he didn't anticipate, but he wanted a second set of eyes that he trusted to evaluate players, personnel and administration.  Enter his hand picked GM - Brandon Beane.  Beane worked on his staff first, then reviewed McD's assessment of players...Watson (low effort diva); Darby (not a fit for the hard nosed cover corner); Dareus (keep him but get rid of him if his attitude starts to go south) --then together they started to work the plan.  They were patient and open-minded but once a decision was made they acted quickly with Terry's full support.

 

Brandon's public persona of a slick, fast talking, marketing deal maker just wasn't ever going to fit McDermott's style.  I speculate that the reported rift was over Watkins -- Russ saying -- no way he's all we've got to market and he's all over our electronic and print materials and McDermott saying that's no longer how we make decisions and by the way get out of my face...this is a football team not a promotions event. 

 

Just speculating -- but I think this is probably a bit more than normal new coach turnover but clearly shows McDermott and Beane are in charge.

Edited May 3, 2018 by JoeF

[26CornerBlitz]

1 minute ago, whatdrought said:

 

It's unusual for Buffalo. 

 

Standard fare across the NFL and certainly nothing amazing about it with a new GM/Coach tandem in place. 

[Soda Popinski]

Easy.   When he interviewed with the Pegulas he mapped out his path to success in great detail, i'm 100% sure a big part of that was jettisoning all those people and hitting the reset button.  The Pegulas agreed and the rest is history. 

[MrEpsYtown]

Ha someone who actually drained the swamp. Interesting. It's weird when people come through on promises. 

[BuffaloRush]

1 minute ago, TroutDog said:

I agree with 26. But, when Pegula’s originally purchased the team, they specifically stated they were going to leave things as they were, admitting that they were ‘green’. Understandable but, not so shockingly, led to the same result on the field. 

 

When McD was hired, I believe they had realized that a complete overhaul was needed and that this included culture. Ridding an organization of people is one way to very clearly let people know that a new sheriff is in town and they have McD the power to do it. 

 

I, for one, am glad they came to the realization. 

 

Thank you - this is my point as well.  It is common for changes when you bring in a new GM to run the organization but many of these changes were made before Beane was hired.  

 

Essentially McDermott got Terry to fire people who were either above him (Whaley) or those who were on a lateral level that reported to Terry directly (Berchtold).

 

Then there is Beane who was able to get rid of some of the long time mainstays (Carpenter) and some of the people that Russ put in place (Lyons).  

 

How did did they convince Terry?

[The Wiz]

29 minutes ago, BuffaloRush said:

This leaves Jim Overdorff as really the last connection to Ralph Wilson.

You forgot someone.

 

[whatdrought]

1 minute ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

Standard fare across the NFL and certainly nothing amazing about it with a new GM/Coach tandem in place. 

 

Right, and it always should have been done when the regimes changed. But what we're talking about here is a team that was holding onto a failed GM from a decade ago who somehow weathered countless regime changes and an ownership change. 

 

I think the OPs point is that, for the first time in a d**n long time, Buffalo is actually starting to function like an NFL team. 

[CardinalScotts]

7 minutes ago, whatdrought said:

 

It's unusual for Buffalo. 

It was unusual under Ralph...wouldnt eat any contract. New coach using not his assistants

 

Pegula doesnt care willing to eat contracts get the right guy--he has him now

[26CornerBlitz]

Just now, whatdrought said:

 

Right, and it always should have been done when the regimes changed. But what we're talking about here is a team that was holding onto a failed GM from a decade ago who somehow weathered countless regime changes and an ownership change. 

 

I think the OPs point is that, for the first time in a d**n long time, Buffalo is actually starting to function like an NFL team. 

 

They essentially did that when the previous GM and scouting staff were let go after the 2017 draft with Beane subsequently hired.  All of a sudden it's a revelation? 

[HansLanda]

honestly, this was something I was expecting once the Pegulas took ownership of the team. Basically bring in all their own people. I bet in hindsight that is exactly what they would have done instead of keeping everyone and hiring Rex.

 

McBeane are going to be made men if Allen turns out to be even average - and someone who can win games with the help of a strong D. Their leash is may be even 4 years long now.

 

Interesting that Overdorf is still on board. For all of the flack many give him, he must be super at his job as the cap expert. Beane said they meshed immediately. I guess we can't fault JO for all the bad contracts Whaley drew up. Maybe he's just the pencil pusher to get them hammered out and signed with the agents.

Edited May 3, 2018 by HansLanda

[whatdrought]

1 minute ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

They essentially did that when the previous GM and scouting staff were let go after the 2017 draft with Beane subsequently hired.  All of a sudden it's a revelation? 

 

Right... Which is when McD took over... I am missing your point. 

 

I think (and I could be wrong) that OP is pointing to the fact that in a little over a year, since the introduction of McD (and subsequently Beane) a whole lot of "fat" has been cut off of this team at every level. 

This is obviously highlighted this week because of the development with Russ who seems to have been the Rasputin of OBD (or some other character with lots of power that leaves you scratching your head) 

 

The point is, this is not normal for what Buffalo has been since 1999 (maybe even further back) and it is refreshing to see a wave of rejuvenation and re-invention that is evident in the business side, and the football side. 

[BuffaloRush]

1 minute ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

They essentially did that when the previous GM and scouting staff were let go after the 2017 draft with Beane subsequently hired.  All of a sudden it's a revelation? 

 

Scouting staffs usually follow the GM’s.  What is rare is how McDermott was able to get rid of staff who either outranked him or were completely lateral.  Marrone and Rex were both unable to do this.   It’s also rare how Beane was able to get rid on long time staffers who were thought of to be “untouchable”

[26CornerBlitz]

Just now, whatdrought said:

 

Right... Which is when McD took over... I am missing your point. 

 

I think (and I could be wrong) that OP is pointing to the fact that in a little over a year, since the introduction of McD (and subsequently Beane) a whole lot of "fat" has been cut off of this team at every level. 

This is obviously highlighted this week because of the development with Russ who seems to have been the Rasputin of OBD (or some other character with lots of power that leaves you scratching your head) 

 

The point is, this is not normal for what Buffalo has been since 1999 (maybe even further back) and it is refreshing to see a wave of rejuvenation and re-invention that is evident in the business side, and the football side. 

 

You have had a GM continuum for quite a long time in Buffalo that ended with Beane being hired as a total outsider to work with McDermott.  That's why there has been such a purge and again I find nothing jaw dropping or amazing about it. Standard NFL fare. 

[BadLandsMeanie]

29 minutes ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

Standard fare across the NFL and certainly nothing amazing about it with a new GM/Coach tandem in place. 

But as he said. it IS unusual for Buffalo.

 

Also it is next to unheard of in the entire NFL for a rookie head coach to come in and do all of that.

Rookie coach comes in, fires the GM (in essence). Can you think of a single example of that ever having happened on any team at any time?

 

If not, why are you in here saying it is normal?

 

 

Edited May 3, 2018 by BadLandsMeanie

[BillsFan17]

New ownership that doesnt turn a blind eye to ineptitude?

 

They were bound to make some mistakes as they navigated the waters early on, sure. 

 

However, at least on the Bills side of things, they appear to have learned a bit more, and when they went with McDermott they really hit it out of the park.

Just now, BadLandsMeanie said:

But as he said. it IS unusual for Buffalo.

 

Also it is next to unheard of in the entire NFL for a rookie head coach to come in and do all of that.

Rookie coach comes in, fires the GM (in essence). Can you think of a single example of that ever having happened on any team at any time?

 

If not, why are you in here saying it is noraml?

 

 

I mean, McDermott basically ran the show from day one. Almost felt bad for Whaley cause the guy was meddling in limbo with the writing on the wall.

 

But McDermott basically handled Tyrod's contract, the draft, the bringing in of Beane, etc...

[McBean]

I love what McDermott has done here. A+++ IMO.

[ngbills]

People give McD too much credit. He is a football guy. He is somewhat young and never run the entire organization. I think he focuses on football and the front office stuff is not his area. 

[whatdrought]

7 minutes ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

You have had a GM continuum for quite a long time in Buffalo that ended with Beane being hired as a total outsider to work with McDermott.  That's why there has been such a purge and again I find nothing jaw dropping or amazing about it. Standard NFL fare. 

 

Find me an NFL team that has three people working in the building, on payroll, who all have (at one time or another) held the title (or some approximation thereof, as the case may be) of General Manager. 

That's what we had with Russ, Nix, and Whaley on staff when McD was hired.

 

That is unusual, and that is what McD (or Pegula, however that worked out) fought to end.  

Edited May 3, 2018 by whatdrought

[aceman_16]

Whenever my company "takes over" another company,  we tend to keep most of the staff until 1 we understand the culture and what makes it click 2 identify who the "healthy" movers and shakers are and 3 how it will manage the bottom line. There have been situations we have kept all the staff and just added more and other times it was a major overhaul.  Terry and Kim are not looking at this as a money making venture but rather a successful winning one.  It takes more time to develop for the long haul vs faster profit.

[26CornerBlitz]

7 minutes ago, BuffaloRush said:

 

Scouting staffs usually follow the GM’s.  What is rare is how McDermott was able to get rid of staff who either outranked him or were completely lateral.  Marrone and Rex were both unable to do this.   It’s also rare how Beane was able to get rid on long time staffers who were thought of to be “untouchable”

 

Whaley screwed himself with embarrassing public press conferences in 2016 after Rex was fired and the Pegulas were ready to move on.  Once McDermott was hired the writing was on the wall with Whaley muzzled.  Beane was hired to work closely with McDermott in a totally new football department.  Changes over the course of the past year were expected with nothing unusual about it.

[Kwai San]

11 minutes ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

Whaley screwed himself with embarrassing public press conferences in 2016 after Rex was fired and the Pegulas were ready to move on.  Once McDermott was hired the writing was on the wall with Whaley muzzled.  Beane was hired to work closely with McDermott in a totally new football department.  Changes over the course of the past year were expected with nothing unusual about it.

 Agree to  a point but 2 basically rooks coming in and having that much influence.....actually pretty cool.  Obviously McD had a plan, sold his plan and gold plated his plan.  Hence a total makeover of some people who were at one point untouchable.  The Bills were fortunate to have hired McD.

[Lurker]

1 hour ago, BuffaloRush said:

One of the most remarkable things about the hiring of McDermott and Beane (to a lesser extent) is how they have eesentiallu completely turned over the entire organization and the football roster as well.

 

I just see it as a strong-willed HC molding an organization to his liking by taking advantage of having ownership more than willing to delegate that authority to him.   Whaley was not a strong personality and McD initially stepped into that vacuum, then brought in his buddy Beane to solidify his position.   

 

Terry has said in the past that all he knows how to do is drill holes in the ground.   McBeane is the jelly to that peanut butter...

 

 

 

Edited May 3, 2018 by Lurker

[BadLandsMeanie]

20 minutes ago, BillsFan17 said:

New ownership that doesnt turn a blind eye to ineptitude?

 

They were bound to make some mistakes as they navigated the waters early on, sure. 

 

However, at least on the Bills side of things, they appear to have learned a bit more, and when they went with McDermott they really hit it out of the park.

I mean, McDermott basically ran the show from day one. Almost felt bad for Whaley cause the guy was meddling in limbo with the writing on the wall.

 

But McDermott basically handled Tyrod's contract, the draft, the bringing in of Beane, etc...

He did. He worries me a bit because he looks worn down and on edge. I hope he gets in a nice 2 week vacation somewhere far away.

 

[DallasBillsFan1]

44 minutes ago, May Day 10 said:

thats what happens when a franchise is on moth balls for 20 years and someone comes in, throws the curtains aside and opens a window to the outside world.

 

lack of "continuity", bad luck, Patriots, etc did not cause the drought.  Buffalo Bills "management" did.

this

[ddaryl]

Pegula's alone drained the swamp IMO.... It was their confidnece in Beane that allowed them to do it, and only after they had plenty of time to assess all thie issues and feel they had th eright parts in place ot move forward with

 

 

[John from Riverside]

The turnover is fine but common

 

Results are what actually matter.   The fact that they made the playoffs in year 1 is what really gives them cred

[BuffaloRush]

28 minutes ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

Whaley screwed himself with embarrassing public press conferences in 2016 after Rex was fired and the Pegulas were ready to move on.  Once McDermott was hired the writing was on the wall with Whaley muzzled.  Beane was hired to work closely with McDermott in a totally new football department.  Changes over the course of the past year were expected with nothing unusual about it.

 

Really?  How often does the head coach come in an get the GM and long time PR rep (who some believe was behind the leaks to the media) fired within the span of months.  That so unprecedented as I stated

[26CornerBlitz]

4 minutes ago, BuffaloRush said:

 

Really?  How often does the head coach come in an get the GM and long time PR rep (who some believe was behind the leaks to the media) fired within the span of months.  That so unprecedented as I stated

 

Whaley injured himself (He wasn't hired by the Pegulas) and McDermott won the Pegulas' confidence.  Not so amazing when you have the ear of the owners.  Jaw dropping for you, then okay. 

Edited May 3, 2018 by 26CornerBlitz

[May Day 10]

4 minutes ago, BuffaloRush said:

 

Really?  How often does the head coach come in an get the GM and long time PR rep (who some believe was behind the leaks to the media) fired within the span of months.  That so unprecedented as I stated

 

From my view, the humiliating 2 month span between the Pittsburgh game that it was leaked that rex would be gone, through the trainwreck press conferences on Anthony Lynn and Doug whaley sealed berchtoldt's fate.

 

 

[prissythecat]

4 minutes ago, BuffaloRush said:

 

Really?  How often does the head coach come in an get the GM and long time PR rep (who some believe was behind the leaks to the media) fired within the span of months.  That so unprecedented as I stated

 

Where did you get that a McDermott had a say in the firings of Bills  organizational management?   Was this made up by you?

[Heavy Kevi]

1 hour ago, Over 29 years of fanhood said:

Results give you credibility 

 

This.

 

None of those folks on the OP list got us to the playoffs. McBeane did. Now the Pegs are feeling secure throwing their eggs in what they surely believe is a sturdy basket.

 

I believe tue Pegs want a long tenure coach. Even if he's not the greatest coach in the league, ala Jeff Fisher and Marvin Lewis, I truly think they get a very long grace period (4 or more years imo), and even moderate success will keep them around for twice that long.

 

And it's about freakin' time.

[26CornerBlitz]

1 minute ago, May Day 10 said:

From my view, the humiliating 2 month span between the Pittsburgh game that it was leaked that rex would be gone, through the trainwreck press conferences on Anthony Lynn and Doug whaley sealed berchtoldt's fate.

 

Exactly. Both were a direct reflection on his work. 

[BuffaloRush]

1 minute ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

Whaley injured himself and McDermott won the Pegulas' confidence.  Not so amazing when you have the ear of the owners.  Jaw dropping for you, then okay. 

 

Except it is rare...find me one example where a HC came in and got his GM fired within month?  Gruden couldn’t even do that in Oakland, even though he’s essentially coach and GM.  

[26CornerBlitz]

Just now, BuffaloRush said:

 

Except it is rare...find me one example where a HC came in and got his GM fired within month?  Gruden couldn’t even do that in Oakland, even though he’s essentially coach and GM.  

 

The GM got himself fired.