Source: Rivera to be candidate for Bills coaching job

[patmoran2006]

Rumors on the Bills head coaching search are sure to fly over the next several days if not weeks, and I’ve learned of one coordinator who could be a strong candidate.

Despite hinting strongly during his introductory press conference that he’d likely hire a head coach with previous experience, a source tells me defensive coordinator Ron Rivera will be high on new general manager Buddy Nix’s list of candidates for the Bills head coaching position.



STORY (http://www.buffalosportsdaily.com/2010/01/source-rivera-to-be-candidate-for-bills-coaching-job/)

[Dying_-2-_Live]

I would not mind that one bit... Id rather have him than weis

[Dying_-2-_Live]

oh thanks, Pat, for the info BTW

[PECKERWOOD]

Rivera is a defensive minded coach, but will he run the 3-4? He has experience in both the Tampa2 and the 3-4.

[TrEd FTW]

If we go the current coordinator route, Rivera would be my top choice.

[Dying_-2-_Live]

Rivera is a defensive minded coach, but will he run the 3-4? He has experience in both the Tampa2 and the 3-4.
He would run the 3-4
and i could almost guarantee we'd draft either McClain or T. Cody with the first pick if he were HC

[YardRat]

Does this mean I can add 'Source for pat' to my resume?

http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/showthread.php?p=3094400#post3094400

[SquishDaFish]

I wouldnt mind him at all. If it was a coordinator then I would rank in order Rivera,Weiss then Grimm

[Luisito23]

He's OK, but I thought we wanted an offensive mind here?

[Night Train]

Another guy with no HC experience, learning on the job.

[Luisito23]

Another guy with no HC experience.


We should all be used to that by now.

[SquishDaFish]

Another guy with no HC experience, learning on the job.

Hes got more experience then most coordinators

[THRILLHO]

Hes got more experience then most coordinators

But less than most coaches.

[superbills]

But the flip side is he doesn't have one foot in the grave and he hasn't failed as a head coach either.

[Nighthawk]

If this is true, the Nix hire looks worse and worse. I'm not totally against Rivera, but this organization seems to be working the exact same way as it has for the past 10 years.

[methos4ever]

He would run the 3-4
and i could almost guarantee we'd draft either McClain or T. Cody with the first pick if he were HC
Actually, he's made the 3-4 the Chargers run more formidable by abandoning most of the Tampa 2 stuff he did in Chicago with Lovie and mixing in blitzing and things he learned as a player...in Chicago with Buddy Ryan.

So if he was the guy here, we could use 3-4 looks sure, but don't be married to the idea of a purely 3-4. These past two years have been the first time he's been near a 3-4 and that's why he went to the Chargers as a then-linebacker coach.

[mybills]

I don't want no stinkin' dc! (accent intended)

[mybills]

He's OK, but I thought we wanted an offensive mind here?
They're all liars!

[Mahdi]

STORY (http://www.buffalosportsdaily.com/2010/01/source-rivera-to-be-candidate-for-bills-coaching-job/)
Knew it. I thought of that name last night.

He was the Bears DC when they were at their best playing the cover 2. Then he moved to SD the next year after the SB I believe and stuck with the 3-4 over there. Not sure what he would do with our D.

[The Spaz]

Guys he's a candidate it doesn't mean he already was given the job..

[baalworship]

Knew it. I thought of that name last night.

He was the Bears DC when they were at their best playing the cover 2. Then he moved to SD the next year after the SB I believe and stuck with the 3-4 over there. Not sure what he would do with our D.


My guess is that the chances of running the 3-4 are greater than 50%. Nix has been drafting for the 3-4 most of his career so I bet he would want the coach to be running that system.

From Nix interview he said that he would prioritize head coaching candidates and would try to sign their top guy right away. So is Ron Rivera the Bills top candidate?

[Night Train]

Knew it. I thought of that name last night.

He was the Bears DC when they were at their best playing the cover 2. Then he moved to SD the next year after the SB I believe and stuck with the 3-4 over there. Not sure what he would do with our D.

He was a LB on the famous '85 Buddy Ryan Bears D which ran a 4-3 and with Nix just having left the Chargers the past year, people are obviously connecting the dots.

He's been exposed to several types of schemes. Still, even Nix was a HC in college and I don't want any more first time guys who may struggle to put together a quality staff and think fast on their feet, come gameday.

I will despise anyone that comes in here and tries to continue with the failing Cover 2.

[Nighthawk]

He was a LB on the famous '85 Buddy Ryan Bears D which ran a 4-3 and with Nix just having left the Chargers the past year, people are obviously connecting the dots.

He's been exposed to several types of schemes. Still, even Nix was a HC in college and I don't want any more first time guys who may struggle to put together a quality staff and think fast on their feet, come gameday.

I will despise anyone that comes in here and tries to continue with the failing Cover 2.

Agreed...this team will be mediocre again if we have a 70 year old rookie GM and a rookie HC. That is a recipe for disaster...yet again!

[TheBrownBear]

Not excited by this one bit. SD's defense is still mediocre. Rivers and the pass offense carry that team.

[Nighthawk]

Not excited by this one bit. SD's defense is still mediocre. Rivers and the pass offense carry that team.

Ha, ha...then he'd fit right in with this organization.

[baalworship]

Bears players state they miss Ron Rivera..


http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/1946413,CST-SPT-bear18.article

What was unspoken is that the Bears have not filled those shoes. The Bears' defense ranked second and fifth in total yards allowed in Rivera's final two seasons. Under Babich, the Bears dropped to 28th in 2007 and 21st in 2008, when Smith demoted Babich and took over defensive play-calling duties.

[T-Long]

I'l take it as long as he is the DC too

Rivera HC/DC
Weis OC

[Syderick]

Not excited by this one bit. SD's defense is still mediocre. Rivers and the pass offense carry that team.

SD's defense is better then the Bills.

[ChristopherWalken]

Well, technically they can't even talk to Rivera about it until after the Chargers season is through. But I don't think I would mind this much IF the Bills can get a GOOD OC.

[Mr. Miyagi]

Rooney Rule candidate.

[YardRat]

Rooney Rule candidate.

Fewell's already the RR guy...

[ChristopherWalken]

I think that the RR forces more segregation.

Kind of stupid as minority candidates are sometimes only brought in to appease a rule. Like being the "token" candidate.

Maybe I'm naive, but I don't think that NFL GMs and owners really give two ****s what you look like as long as you are capable of winning games.

[T-Long]

I think he can interview as long as he has permission. I may be wrong though.

[homeslice5484]

Nix said he does not like having these undersized guys who get tired quickly and are more prone to injury, that right there says the Cover 2 is gone.

[Nighthawk]

I think he can interview as long as he has permission. I may be wrong though.

Yes, because they have a bye the first week of the playoffs, the Bills can ask permission and interview him then. However, they will not be able to hire him or talk to him again until the Chargers' season is over.

[T-Long]

Yes, because they have a bye the first week of the playoffs, the Bills can ask permission and interview him then. However, they will not be able to hire him or talk to him again until the Chargers' season is over.
Yeah that's right. So with the Chargers having the bye, that will allow the Bills to interview him next week which will be their only opportunity till the season is over. I guess we will really get a good idea on if he interviewed well if the process is taking forever and the Chargers are still in the playoffs.

[methos4ever]

Nix said he does not like having these undersized guys who get tired quickly and are more prone to injury, that right there says the Cover 2 is gone.
It might mean the end of the Tampa 2, especially since that's why he left the Bears - he wanted to blitz liberally and Lovie likes to blitz less so.

If anything we can look to a team like the Jaguars, who use the "Old School" Cover 2, which blitzes and doesn't require the team to be undersized; if anything, Jax has been known as a Florida team that has been built to play playoff football in the Northeast. And I don't think any of us would mind that.

[Nublar7]

Rivera is more along the lines of who Buffalo will hire. Forget A-List guys like Shanahan, Gruden and Cowher they will not land one of those.

Look for someone like Weis, Rivera or Trestman to get the job in Buffalo.

[Nighthawk]

Rivera is more along the lines of who Buffalo will hire. Forget A-List guys like Shanahan, Gruden and Cowher they will not land one of those.

Look for someone like Weis, Rivera or Trestman to get the job in Buffalo.

Like your HC...a C or B list guy.

[Michael82]

I'd move him above Weis on my list. He wouldn't be a bad choice. But I still prefer Cowher, Schottenheimer or Fox first.

[homeslice5484]

they say Rivera is a no nonsense coach, that is a plus...but will he hire Weis as the offensive coordinator and actually focus on fixing this offense?

[Nighthawk]

I'd move him above Weis on my list. He wouldn't be a bad choice. But I still prefer Cowher, Schottenheimer or Fox first.

I would be very happy with any of them!

[Nublar7]

Like your HC...a C or B list guy.Hey, I was just trying to join in on the conversation, why try and start smack?

Since you started it though, I will mention that our "C or B list guy" has a division title and a playoff berth already under his belt during his two years here. Plus he has had his team in the playoff hunt during the final week of both seasons. I know it is an absolute long shot and won't happen, but Miami is mathematically still alive for the playoffs this season. Plus, he is 3-1 against the Bills and has an 8-4 division record in two seasons.

The Bills haven't made the playoffs in over a decade and haven't won a division title since 1995. So go ahead and insult our coach if that somehow makes you feel better. He is still better then anything the Bills have had in a LONG LONG time.

[patmoran2006]

Guys he's a candidate it doesn't mean he already was given the job..

Exactly, im sure you're going to hear multiple names linked to the Bills in the coming days.

[Nighthawk]

Hey, I was just trying to join in on the conversation, why try and start smack?

Since you started it though, I will mention that our "C or B list guy" has a division title and a playoff berth already under his belt during his two years here. Plus he has had his team in the playoff hunt during the final week of both seasons. I know it is an absolute long shot and won't happen, but Miami is mathematically still alive for the playoffs this season. Plus, he is 3-1 against the Bills and has an 8-4 division record in two seasons.

The Bills haven't made the playoffs in over a decade and haven't won a division title since 1995. So go ahead and insult our coach if that somehow makes you feel better. He is still better then anything the Bills have had in a LONG LONG time.

Not really saying much there.

[Nighthawk]

Exactly, im sure you're going to hear multiple names linked to the Bills in the coming days.

Don't report this crap Pat, I can't take the thought of another mediocre, first time HC! :please:

[homeslice5484]

Pat, besides Cower and the big names, what non A-List guy or guys would you look into?

[Novacane]

Please no. Nix and Rivera equals the same old same old. Probably the 2 cheapest guys Ralph could hire.

[patmoran2006]

Pat, besides Cower and the big names, what non A-List guy or guys would you look into?

Besides Cowher, I dont really know there are any "A" list candidates are.

In regards to names, I suppose that Weis, Billick and Martz are the next wave. The only news we've heard about any of them was a report last weeks (sorry cant remember by whom) that says the Bills contacted Weiss.

Keep this in mind though, Atlanta and Baltimore both went to playoffs in 2008 with first time coaches (Harbaugh, Smith), and IMO Atlanta was far away the year before.. But they drafted a great QB and signed a great RB and turned it around in a year.

[Nighthawk]

Besides Cowher, I dont really know there are any "A" list candidates are.

In regards to names, I suppose that Weis, Billick and Martz are the next wave. The only news we've heard about any of them was a report last weeks (sorry cant remember by whom) that says the Bills contacted Weiss.

Keep this in mind though, Atlanta and Baltimore both went to playoffs in 2008 with first time coaches (Harbaugh, Smith), and IMO Atlanta was far away the year before.. But they drafted a great QB and signed a great RB and turned it around in a year.

They were in a position to draft a good QB...knowing the Bills, they'll win tomorrow and drop in the draft order. Also, Atlanta actually did a thorough search for their GM, so they actually did things the right way and not the cheap way.

[Demon]

If this is true, the Nix hire looks worse and worse. I'm not totally against Rivera, but this organization seems to be working the exact same way as it has for the past 10 years.

Looks worse and worse to who? All the people who had their heads up on cloud 9? A lot of people saw this from a mile away. I still think Cam Cameron gets the job. He has 1 season of experience.

What known guy will want to work with a first time 70 year old GM?

[Nighthawk]

Looks worse and worse to who? All the people who had their heads up on cloud 9? A lot of people saw this from a mile away. I still think Cam Cameron gets the job. He has 1 season of experience.

What known guy will want to work with a first time 70 year old GM?

No, most people actually believed that they would conduct a search outside the organization and not hire another lackey from within. I'm sure you even thought this...now don't lie.

[Demon]

No, most people actually believed that they would conduct a search outside the organization and not hire another lackey from within. I'm sure you even thought this...now don't lie.

Well yeah, i thought so too. I meant, after hiring Nix, all expectations went down under and realistic names are Martz, Haslett, Fassel, Cameron and now Rivera. Knowing Nix is our GM, i wasn't expecting anything more then that.

They shocked us all by hiring from within and now who knows what they will do, except go cheap. Thats the only thing we know.

[Demon]

they say Rivera is a no nonsense coach, that is a plus...but will he hire Weis as the offensive coordinator and actually focus on fixing this offense?
Weis would probably demand more $$$ then Rivera, so that's probably a no-go.

[soapman]

SD's defense is better then the Bills.
There's a shorter list of who's defenses the Bills are better than...

[casdhf]

At least we're stealing guys from a good team, not the Lions and Bears anymore.

[methos4ever]

At least we're stealing guys from a good team, not the Lions and Bears anymore.
If anything it's payback for allowing SD to become Buffalo West in its front office. I wouldn't mind a coaching/player San Diego East.

[NorthCarBills]

If anything it's payback for allowing SD to become Buffalo West in its front office. I wouldn't mind a coaching/player San Diego East.

True. I probably know more about SD's front office than I do their players! LOL

I wish I knew more about Rivera other than knowing he was a strong candidate a few years ago for HC positions. If memory serves, I think he was going to take over the Bears HC opening, and when that didnt happen, he ended up in SD as one of the most highly touted DCs.

[TrEd FTW]

We're not going to get Rivera. I think the Bills will have a new coach within two weeks, and I don't see San Diego's season ending before then. They could very well go to the Super Bowl, finally.

[Beastie Bills]

I'd love him as the Defensive Coordinator, but not as Head Coach.

[jimbohastle51]

STORY (http://www.buffalosportsdaily.com/2010/01/source-rivera-to-be-candidate-for-bills-coaching-job/)
PLEASE GOD NO!!! He has no head coaching expierience and all that talent was already there before he got there. It was said the reason he didnt land any jobs 3 years ago was because he was terribly unprepared.

[jamze132]

How about the team of Cowher as HC, Weiss as OC, and Rivera as DC?

That would probably be about as good as it could get outside of Dick LeBeau as DC. I also doubt Rivera would leave SD for another DC position.

[patmoran2006]

How about the team of Cowher as HC, Weiss as OC, and Rivera as DC?

That would probably be about as good as it could get outside of Dick LeBeau as DC. I also doubt Rivera would leave SD for another DC position.
Do you honestly think Wilson would pay for any of that in those particular positions?

And there's no way Rivera is leaving a solid D.C. job in SD to come to Buffalo for the same role. Laterall move from SD to Buffalo?

He's head coach or nothing here.

[rcd333]

i actually don't think he could even move laterally from team to team. he would have to be promoted unless his contract is up.

[jamze132]

Do you honestly think Wilson would pay for any of that in those particular positions?

And there's no way Rivera is leaving a solid D.C. job in SD to come to Buffalo for the same role. Laterall move from SD to Buffalo?

He's head coach or nothing here.

I'm pretty sure I mentioned that in my post of infinite wisdom...

[Ground Chuck]

If I'm not mistaken, Rivera also spent some time in Philly under Jim Johnson.

He obviously knows the Ryan system. I would doubt he would be switching to a 3-4. But since we only have one decent LB now, I don't understand the mad rush to put another one on the field.