Shanahan: "Excellent meeting;" "very impressed" with Brandon

[Coach Sal]

Forked from: Shanahan Report ESPN (http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/showpost.php?postid=3059502)


Bills COO Brandon, Shanahan meet


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<cite class="source"> By Adam Schefter
ESPN
Archive (http://search.espn.go.com/adam-schefter/) </cite>
<!-- end mod-article-title --> <!-- begin story body --> <!-- template inline -->Former Denver Broncos (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=den) head coach Mike Shanahan met for seven hours in Denver with Buffalo Bills (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=buf) chief operating officer Russ Brandon on Monday night and Tuesday morning.
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Brandon delivered what was said to be a persuasive presentation about why Shanahan should be interested in the Bills. He pitched Shanahan on the merits of the market, the condition of the franchise and what a good match it could be.

The two sides did agree on one point: Each would take its time in this process, making sure it makes the right decision about what's next for each.

"We had an excellent meeting," Shanahan said Wednesday. "I was really impressed with Russ Brandon and everything he had to say. We're going to stay in touch and see what develops."

The Bills want to thoroughly investigate all the coaches that are and could be available, even though they clearly are serious about Shanahan. At the same time, Shanahan would like to see what opportunities could be out there for him to return to the NFL in 2010.

The Bills fired Dick Jauron last week and named defensive coordinator Perry Fewell interim coach.
Adam Schefter is an ESPN NFL Insider.

[DrGraves]

We can't afford to let him see what other options become available... we need to make this happen now!!!

[homeslice5484]

Sal, you think he comes here?

[Mahdi]

Dont like the fact that what was offered was not enough to get him to sign right away.

If he explores other options then its because he believes there is something better out there and that they will up the offer the Bills gave him.

[BoyILuvLoznStupidly]

Dont like the fact that what was offered was not enough to get him to sign right away.

If he explores other options then its because he believes there is something better out there and that they will up the offer the Bills gave him.

How you know that was really the offer?

[Mahdi]

How you know that was really the offer?
7 hours of discussions and they offered him nothing?

[Coach Sal]

Sal, you think he comes here?

I am going to be optimistic and say yes.

I just think they are getting a head start and at least it looks like, trying to handle it the right way.

But these things change at a moments notice.

[BuffaloRanger]

They still have to interview a black candidate.

Shanny has leverage. He would be stupid to accept the Bills offer now when he could see what else is out there in February.

I don't think the Bills could make him an offer that would change that.

[Coach Sal]

7 hours of discussions and they offered him nothing?

Yeah. That's not that unusual.

It was their first meeting.

It's more of a feeling out process and seeing where people stand and what they believe in and where they want to go.

Standard procedure for big dealings like this.

[billsburgh]

He would be stupid to accept the first offer from the Bills or anyone else for that matter. standard negotiating 101.

[psubills62]

Dont like the fact that what was offered was not enough to get him to sign right away.

If he explores other options then its because he believes there is something better out there and that they will up the offer the Bills gave him.

Is it even possible for him to sign right away? The Bills still have to fulfill the Rooney Rule. I seriously doubt that even if they offered him 20 million per year, that he would OFFICIALLY sign right away. Nothing official was going to be done before the season is over.

[Commissioner]

He wants to watch them this Sunday to see how bad we really suck.

[raphael120]

They still have to interview a black candidate.


Fewell. Done.

[Mahdi]

Yeah. That's not that unusual.

It was their first meeting.

It's more of a feeling out process and seeing where people stand and what they believe in and where they want to go.

Standard procedure for big dealings like this.
Hope so.

[Dr. Lecter]

We can't afford to let him see what other options become available... we need to make this happen now!!!

It is not that simple.

[OpIv37]

This is the kind of comment that I take with a grain of salt.

If Shanahan thought Brandon was a complete moron trying to sell him on the merits of a dysfunctional organization, he wouldn't say so to the media.

[Commissioner]

This is the kind of comment that I take with a grain of salt.

If Shanahan thought Brandon was a complete moron trying to sell him on the merits of a dysfunctional organization, he wouldn't say so to the media.

If he thought he was a complete moron and didn't like what they were selling.... i don't think he would listen for 7 hours.

[tampabay25690]

Take this for whats its worth.
I was on the ESPN 1040 radio show this am in Tampa.
I asked about Shannahan and what was going to be offered....

John Clayton was a guest right after me and the host of the show asked him for me if SHANNAHAN would take the job.....

Clayton said probably not he says the SHANNY is looking for the WASH job just because of the $$$ that he would be allowed to spend.....He said it would have to be an offer that he could not resist to come to Buffalo.......

Clayton did say that Cower should listen to the BILLS offer as well.......

Take it for what its worth...This was 9:30 am this morning.....

[Ingtar33]

meh... we'll see.

Clearly Shanahan wants to see if anyone else out there will come close to the Bills offer. I'm shocked that those were the opening bid by the Bills. clearly we were trying to wrap him up before he looked anywhere else.. and Shanahan wouldn't bite.

I can't imagine him getting much more then that anywhere else. Even Dan Snyder would likely blanch at that offer. We'll see.

[OpIv37]

If he thought he was a complete moron and didn't like what they were selling.... i don't think he would listen for 7 hours.

well he knew Ralph was going to take him to Denny's at the end, so he stuck around.

[Commissioner]

meh... we'll see.

Clearly Shanahan wants to see if anyone else out there will come close to the Bills offer. I'm shocked that those were the opening bid by the Bills. clearly we were trying to wrap him up before he looked anywhere else.. and Shanahan wouldn't bite.

I can't imagine him getting much more then that anywhere else. Even Dan Snyder would likely blanch at that offer. We'll see.

I wanna know where these numbers came from?

I haven't read anywhere that an offer was actually made...

[Mudflap1]

I disagree with Washington. Washington already approached Shanahan and he blew them off until after the season. Washington has a meddling owner, and Vinny Cerrato in the front office, who is Dan Snyder's right hand man. Shanahan chose to meet with Buffalo instead. However, that being said, the Bills probably are talking the highest dollars right now, which enhance Shanahan's negotiating position with other teams.

I think he is waiting to see what happens in Chicago. If Angelo and Lovie Smith get fired, then there is the opportunity for coaching, front office control, great football town, and he is reunited with his boy, Jay Cutler.

Bears deny shopping for coach, GM (http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/129490-bears-deny-shopping-for-coach-gm)



From WSCR-AM 670: Someone in the Bears (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/3)' organization at a level above general manager Jerry Angelo has begun surveying options for changing the coach or general manager, or both, according to Hub Arkush, a football expert on WSCR-AM 670 and publisher of Pro Football Weekly. Arkush specifically named former Broncos (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/7) coach Mike Shanahan, who groomed Bears (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/3) quarterback Jay Cutler (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/2794) and helped him earn a Pro Bowl berth in Denver; former Steelers (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/23) coach Bill Cowher and former Buccaneers (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/27) and Raiders (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/13) coach Jon Gruden. All three have won Super Bowls. Asked about the report, a team source said, "There's absolutely no truth" to the report.
Chicago Tribune (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2009/11/report-bears-surveying-options-for-coach-gm-changes.html)

[X-Era]

The Buffalo Bills are serious, and IMO they will land a big name coach. You make an offer like that and someone with a ring will take it.

And I don't think we will have much competition at all. None of the other offers will be as attractive if you add in owner, how much real control they will have, whether there is a GM or not.

The only teams to worry about are:

Mike- Chicago but only if all of the following are true, a) Angelo is fired, b) Smith is fired, c) Chicago offers just as much control, d) Chicago offers just as much money, e) Chicago offers a piece of their team

Cowher- Carolina but only if all of the following are true a) Hurney is fired, b) Fox is fired, c) Carolina offers just as much control, d) Carolina offers just as much money, e) Carolina offers a piece of their team

None of the other potential teams will beat our offer.

Based on that offer, Im not worried about waiting.

[psubills62]

This is the kind of comment that I take with a grain of salt.

If Shanahan thought Brandon was a complete moron trying to sell him on the merits of a dysfunctional organization, he wouldn't say so to the media.

He could also have easily been diplomatic without going out of his way to compliment Brandon that much. He could have said "The meeting went well, and we'll continue to be in contact."

[Commissioner]

The Buffalo Bills are serious, and IMO they will land a big name coach. You make an offer like that and someone with a ring will take it.

And I don't think we will have much competition at all. None of the other offers will be as attractive if you add in owner, how much real control they will have, whether there is a GM or not.

The only teams to worry about are:

Mike- Chicago but only if all of the following are true, a) Angelo is fired, b) Smith is fired, c) Chicago offers just as much control, d) Chicago offers just as much money, e) Chicago offers a piece of their team

Cowher- Carolina but only if all of the following are true a) Angelo is fired, b) Smith is fired, c) Carolina offers just as much control, d) Carolina offers just as much money, e) Carolina offers a piece of their team

None of the other potential teams will beat our offer.

Based on that offer, Im not worried about waiting.

I'm still waiting for a source that s hows the Bills offered anything.... where did everyone get these numbers from?

[BoyILuvLoznStupidly]

I'm not too worried about the Bears.

Chicago Bears not firing head coach Lovie Smith (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/rumors/post/Chicago-Bears-not-firing-head-coach-Lovie-Smith?urn=nfl,202068)

By Mark J. Miller (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/rumors?author=Mark+J.+Miller)

http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_rumors__40/ept_sports_rumors-648197295-1258033482_thumb.jpg?ymKVaMCDs_Elin33 (http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_rumors__40/ept_sports_rumors-648197295-1258033482.jpg?ymKVaMCDhRyA5EId)N

No matter how loudly Chicago Bears (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/chi/) fans scream for it, the team isn't planning to fire head coach Lovie Smith anytime this season. In fact, he'll likely be with the team till the end of next season (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-12-pompei-bears-essentials-nov12,0,3309275.column), according to the Chicago Tribune. The Bears have Smith under contract till the end of 2011 and there is no expectation hat team ownership is going to get rid of Smith before then.
His team is 4-4 so fans could have it a lot worse. Smith has $11 million coming to him for the final two years of his contract after this year. Even if they canned him after 2010 and another team signed him, he would likely take that job with a low one-year salary, knowing that the Bears would have to pay the bulk of cash to him.
The other problem is that it isn't just Smith that the team is worried about. He's got 15 assistants on staff who each apparently average $350,000 annually in salary. The Bears would have to pay all of those salaries, too, if they can those assistants.
Then they'd have to pay for a search for a new head coach and 15 new assistants as well as whatever salary they end up giving the winners of those slots. So bottom line, it's too much dough to waste and Smith will be in place for at least till the end of next year.
Source: Chicago Tribune (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-12-pompei-bears-essentials-nov12,0,3309275.column)http://l.yimg.com/a/i/nt/ic/ut/bsc/newwin12_1.gif (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-12-pompei-bears-essentials-nov12,0,3309275.column)

[Typ0]

meh... we'll see.

Clearly Shanahan wants to see if anyone else out there will come close to the Bills offer. I'm shocked that those were the opening bid by the Bills. clearly we were trying to wrap him up before he looked anywhere else.. and Shanahan wouldn't bite.

I can't imagine him getting much more then that anywhere else. Even Dan Snyder would likely blanch at that offer. We'll see.

I so wish I could say "nah, the Bills aren't that stupid." But I can't.

[jimbohastle51]

these are coaches not players. shannahan knows he has to take the most money. he cant have a bad season but still get more elsewhere. if he takes the washington job for instance and lets say its 10 million a year but he has 2 loosing seasons and snyder starts breathing down his neck WHICH WILL HAPPEN THERE if he takes that job, and then he resigns or gets fired, his chances of a 10 million a year coaching gig again are gone forever. moral of this being that if the bills are offering 10-12 million a year, which washington will not offer more, maybe the same but not more, i would think the fact he wouldnt have an owner down his neck in buffalo like he was used to in denver for years will be enough to get him. i think knowing that snyder or jones will be all over his ass is a turn off for him. and wade phillips isnt getting fired if he gets to the playoffs, and the bears are not firing lovie its not happening. the only jobs that will be out there our bills, washington, maybe carolina (obviously this is the job cowher wants). the bears wont make a change, i really dont think that cable is going to get canned in oakland after 1 season, and the only way raheem morris is gone after 1 season is if tony dungy is going back to tampa but that has no effect on us either way. the browns are going to keep mangini and if they dont its because holmgren is the GM and that means zorn, hackett, or one of "his" guys will be there which will have no effect on us either. we are shannahans ONLY option besides working for an over barring owner which is why i dont think he wants to coach in dallas or washington. he just coached for 12 years for an owner that never got in his way and barley talked to him about his decisions, i dont see him going to the opposite extreme when that way worked so well for 12 years. he just wants to make sure that he has a check book full of checks to write to coaches and players and he isnt the only one getting a check before he comes. also when he comes here count on his son being the offensive coordinator, even if kubiak keeps his job in houston, which again i think will happen.

[SABURZFAN]

We can't afford to let him see what other options become available... we need to make this happen now!!!


:rofl:


it's not going to happen now.

[elltrain22]

Very exciting stuff!! My honest opinion is that Mike Shanahan will be the next coach of the Buffalo Bills. The other jobs that will be available, just don't have as much appeal to it as this job will. Honestly, we're not the best team (talent wise) that a new coach could go to, but we, IMO, have the best overall situation. We don't have any dead-end contracts (which is big), we have money to spend on FA's, we will be offering a very lucrative deal, & also will give our coach alot of say over what goes on w/ the team.

[Commissioner]

Very exciting stuff!! My honest opinion is that Mike Shanahan will be the next coach of the Buffalo Bills. The other jobs that will be available, just don't have as much appeal to it as this job will. Honestly, we're not the best team (talent wise) that a new coach could go to, but we, IMO, have the best overall situation. We don't have any dead-end contracts (which is big), we have money to spend on FA's, we will be offering a very lucrative deal, & also will give our coach alot of say over what goes on w/ the team.

I think some of the talent on the roster could be appealing for Shanahan.

I think we have his type of lineman in Hangartner, Levitre, and Wood (if he can be ready next year). Lynch and Jackson would do well if he can bring that Denver running game he had. TO exceled in the West Coast offense if they bring him back. Lee Evans is good. Shaun Nelson could develop into a great receiving threat.

I think there's plenty to work with... and if he can't get his QB next draft... he may be able to work with Trent Edwards in a west coast style offense in the meantime....

[DrGraves]

:rofl:


it's not going to happen now.



well as soon as more attractive options open up, it NEVER will. hence now or never.

[mybills]

He would be stupid to accept the first offer from the Bills or anyone else for that matter. standard negotiating 101.
Exactly!

[psubills62]

I think some of the talent on the roster could be appealing for Shanahan.

I think we have his type of lineman in Hangartner, Levitre, and Wood (if he can be ready next year). Lynch and Jackson would do well if he can bring that Denver running game he had. TO exceled in the West Coast offense if they bring him back. Lee Evans is good. Shaun Nelson could develop into a great receiving threat.

I think there's plenty to work with... and if he can't get his QB next draft... he may be able to work with Trent Edwards in a west coast style offense in the meantime....

I agree. I think this roster holds a lot of young players who could be good. It's just that our coaches have been HORRIBLE at developing players and putting them in positions to succeed.

[TigerJ]

He would be stupid to accept the first offer from the Bills or anyone else for that matter. standard negotiating 101. If you are Billy Joe Gunrack and the Bills offer a million dollar no cut contract to coach the Bills, you take it in a heartbeat. If you're Mike Shanahan and you are offered $10-12 million a year and 5 % ownership, you still might say, "Thanks guys, we'll have to think about this."

[SABURZFAN]

well as soon as more attractive options open up, it NEVER will. hence now or never.


Shanahan has the upper hand to pick and choose where he wants to go. he's in no hurry. exploring ALL options is the way to go when you're in demand like he is.

[BoyILuvLoznStupidly]

I wonder what Shanahan's thoughts are on Ralph not being there for the first meeting? Have they ever met before?

[PECKERWOOD]

I actually don't mind Russ Brandon in a marketing capacity, as long as their is a football minded GM who assumes the football operations role.

[PECKERWOOD]

Wow, Shanahan as the head coach of the Bills... WOW! I sure hope so, but I'm reluctant to think that it will realistically happen.

[Typ0]

I wonder what Shanahan's thoughts are on Ralph not being there for the first meeting? Have they ever met before?


This would seem to be some indication that Brandon will remain in his current role.

[BoyILuvLoznStupidly]

This would seem to be some indication that Brandon will remain in his current role.

Ya I understand he is staying, but what NFL owner would not meet with a coach like Shanahan. Especially for the first time. What kind of impression did Shanahan get that Ralph was not their?

Just I thought I had. Maybe I'm starting to read into it too much.

[Typ0]

Ya I understand he is staying, but what NFL owner would not meet with a coach like Shanahan. Especially for the first time. What kind of impression did Shanahan get that Ralph was not their?

Just I thought I had. Maybe I'm starting to read into it too much.


He would do that because he wants Brandon to be in control. Maybe he's going to do the hire and stay right where he is.

[Mudflap1]

Ralph is probably not the most impressive guy in the world to meet at this point. It's no offense to him, the guy is old and stodgy. They probably thought Russ would make the better first impression, trying to show how the Bills could take the next step.

[Commissioner]

Ya I understand he is staying, but what NFL owner would not meet with a coach like Shanahan. Especially for the first time. What kind of impression did Shanahan get that Ralph was not their?

Just I thought I had. Maybe I'm starting to read into it too much.
I don't think the 90 yr old owner is in the condition to be flying back and forth across the country to meet with someone who could blow them off. I'm sure during the course of the 7 hours he made a phone call.

[YardRat]

The Buffalo Bills are serious, and IMO they will land a big name coach. You make an offer like that and someone with a ring will take it.

And I don't think we will have much competition at all. None of the other offers will be as attractive if you add in owner, how much real control they will have, whether there is a GM or not.

The only teams to worry about are:

Mike- Chicago but only if all of the following are true, a) Angelo is fired, b) Smith is fired, c) Chicago offers just as much control, d) Chicago offers just as much money, e) Chicago offers a piece of their team

Cowher- Carolina but only if all of the following are true a) Angelo is fired, b) Smith is fired, c) Carolina offers just as much control, d) Carolina offers just as much money, e) Carolina offers a piece of their team

None of the other potential teams will beat our offer.

Based on that offer, Im not worried about waiting.

I think you forgot to edit a) and b) for Cowher.

[X-Era]

I think you forgot to edit a) and b) for Cowher.

Fixed it

[SABuffalo786]

Apparently, ESPN just said Shannahan rejected our offer. ****

[Ickybaluky]

Apparently, ESPN just said Shannahan rejected our offer. ****

Nobody is going to take an offer now. That goes for Shanahan or anyone else.

In a couple of months, the Bills will have a new coach, whether that is Shanahan or someone else. They seem intent on landing a big-name coach, but none of those guys are going to take a job until after the season.

[Crisis]

Nobody is going to take an offer now. That goes for Shanahan or anyone else.

In a couple of months, the Bills will have a new coach, whether that is Shanahan or someone else. They seem intent on landing a big-name coach, but none of those guys are going to take a job until after the season.

Is there any precedent for them to bring on someone like Shanahan as say....Offensive Consultant or something for the rest of the season, with it obvious they're going to become head coach next year?

[BertSquirtgum]

if he was so damn impressed he would have signed a contract already. my hopes have been stabbed to death and pissed on.

[Ickybaluky]

Is there any precedent for them to bring on someone like Shanahan as say....Offensive Consultant or something for the rest of the season, with it obvious they're going to become head coach next year?

Well, the Redskins did that, but it is a desperate move that doesn't pay dividends. It is too late in the game for wholesale changes. You can't put in a new scheme or anything.

Look at this from Shanahan's point of view. He is sitting at home getting paid big money by the Broncos. If he takes a job now, the Broncos are going to want some money back.

On top of that, he wants to weigh all his options. Why take a job now? There is no reason. Meeting with him allows both sides to get a jump on the process and gather information. However, neither the Bills or nor Shanahan need to make a decision now. What's the rush? The season isn't even over yet.

[SABuffalo786]

Ignore my first post. Itchy trigger finger from a friend who misread it as HOLMGREN rejects Bills' offer.

[Nighthawk]

Apparently, ESPN just said Shannahan rejected our offer. ****

No, no they didn't...stop making s**t up and relax!

[Nighthawk]

Ignore my first post. Itchy trigger finger from a friend who misread it as HOLMGREN rejects Bills' offer.

Ignore my previous post about your previous post...

[jamze132]

There is no way in hell we are going to have 3 HCs in one season. For all we know Shanny accepted the Bills offer but for legal reasons, they can't make it official until after the season. But I highly doubt there is a deal in place. We are not going to hear anything new on the Bills HC position until after the season. Let's stop this nonsense.