HC of the Bills in 2013... Who makes sense?

[Mahdi]

Its looking like Gailey is out and although I don't agree with it I want whoever comes in to be a CLEAR significant upgrade. If we're dispatching with continuity it better be at the gain of superiority.

So, who would that coach be, and I would stick with current NFL coaches because no college coach is going to come to the Bills to start off his career in the NFL.

Candidates:

My top candidate is Andy Reid.

Other options:

Mike Zimmer
Wade Philips?
Bruce Arians -- no thanks
Kyle Shanahan
Mike Nolan - Did a great job again in ATL this year - Always seems to do well - Also uses both 3-4 and 4-3 depending on personnel.
Gus Bradley - DC in Seattle]
Jack Del Rio -- Solid this year as DC in Den - Good 4-3 guy
Rod Marinelli - Chicago DC - Might bring Gill Byrd with him to be DC?
Norv Turner

Outside chance -

Marty Schottenheimer
Brian Billick

Never gon happen -

Gruden
Cowher


Please add to any of the lists and indicate your top choice who is also realistic...

[pmoon6]

I wouldn't mind Del Rio or maybe Mike Nolan. Tony Soprano will be fired and would bring an attitude. Jim Haslett is a possibility, ties to Buffalo and all. He could hire Fred Smerlas at D-Line coach and they both could lead the post game line dance at midfield.

Take Wade off the list, no way he works for Ralph again and there is no way Ralph hires him.

Bad Blood, man, Bad Blood.

[justasportsfan]

I still want an offensive minded HC which is why out of all those flying under the radar ,Marc Trestman intrigues me. Has a resume' that's more impressive than Gailey as a coordinator/qb coach. Although it's the CFL, he still won championships as a HC that Gailey couldn't do in Georgia.

[OpIv37]

I wouldn't mind Reid but I really think he needs to take a year off from coaching to deal with his personal issues.

[justasportsfan]

I wouldn't mind Reid but I really think he needs to take a year off from coaching to deal with his personal issues.
wouldn't mind him too but if you take away his GM decisions and stick with coaching, he may not need a year off.

[OpIv37]

wouldn't mind him too but if you take away his GM decisions and stick with coaching, he may not need a year off.

I don't want anyone who is going to dual-hat as coach and GM. I wouldn't mind a situation where the coach has great influence over the GM but it's too much work for one man.

[Mr. Miyagi]

Andy Reid - OK
Mike Zimmer - Maybe
Wade Philips - HELL NO
Bruce Arians - NO
Kyle Shanahan - NO
Mike Nolan - Maybe
Gus Bradley - Maybe
Jack Del Rio - HELL NO
Rod Marinelli - NO
Norv Turner - HELL NO
Marty Schottenheimer - YES
Brian Billick - NO
Gruden - HELL YES
Cowher - HELL YES

[pmoon6]

I wouldn't mind Reid but I really think he needs to take a year off from coaching to deal with his personal issues.Too true, I was thinking the same thing. (Great Minds?) He would be a good fit, but Ole' Andy looks burnt out.

One of my first choices would be Marty and he brings his son with him. I still remember when he played LB for the Bills and they couldn't fit his name on the back of his jersey.

[ServoBillieves]

Remember when we made this list 3 years ago and some gentleman named "Chan Gailey" wasn't on the list?

Yeah... e<cite>xpect that to happen again.</cite>

[EDS]

I would spend the big bucks on a real GM and trust him to hire a good up-and-coming assistant coach or college head coach.

[Historian]

For the fourth time in 12 years...Give me Haslett or give me death!

I would take Billick, Schotzy (even though hes getting really old) or Chucky.

All 4 are demanding coaches who could take our underachieving talent and get the most out of them, IMO.

[jamze132]

Only college coach I would want is Chip Kelly.

I'll take Billick in a heart beat though.

[psubills62]

Another name to consider might be Greg Roman.

[wmoz11]

Another name to consider might be Greg Roman.

Came here to post this. He's one of my top-3 guys. He's also realistic.

[Joe Fo Sho]

What about Dungy?

[OpIv37]

Remember when we made this list 3 years ago and some gentleman named "Chan Gailey" wasn't on the list?

Yeah... e<cite>xpect that to happen again.</cite>

I still remember my utter shock and disappointment when we hired Jauron. I called my friend, who is a Bears fan (where Jauron had been the HC a few years before coming to Buffalo), and asked him about Jauron- he had a lot of negative things to say and pretty much every one of them turned out to be correct.

And for the record, my friend is just a football fan who watches the games. He's never even played football in his life, short of neighborhood pick-up games we used to have back in the day. It never fails to amaze me that casual fans can see these things but the people getting paid big money in our FO can't.

Unfortunately, I'm expecting a very similar moment when Gailey's replacement is announced.

[Mahdi]

Another name to consider might be Greg Roman.

I thought about him and also Vic Fangio but I think they need to prove it for a couple more seasons.

[Mr. Pink]

I'm thinking outside what I want and something that would be in typical Bills fashion here...

Butch Davis.

[Mahdi]

I'm thinking outside what I want and something that would be in typical Bills fashion here...

Butch Davis.

One thing I'll give him is that ever since he got to NC they have been turning out an insane amount of prospects. The new Miami.

[DraftBoy]

My short list;
Mike McCoy-OC Denver
Hue Jackson-DB Coach Cincy
Marc Trestman-HC Montreal Alouettes
Gus Bradley-DC Seattle
Jay Gruden-OC Cincy

[Mr. Pink]

One thing I'll give him is that ever since he got to NC they have been turning out an insane amount of prospects. The new Miami.

Great at the NCAA level, terrible in the NFL. Someone will eventually give him a shot though. If he ever did come back to the NFL maybe he can figure it out like Pete Carroll did. He would absolutely be typical of a Bills hire though.

As DB mentioned, my choice is and was 3 years ago, Marc Trestman.

[Mahdi]

My short list;
Mike McCoy-OC Denver
Hue Jackson-DB Coach Cincy
Marc Trestman-HC Montreal Alouettes
Gus Bradley-DC Seattle
Jay Gruden-OC Cincy

Not sure I like yer list. Although you never know who will get it right. John Harbaugh was not an attractive choice either. I just think there are more established guys out there in terms of coordinators.

Also I would never take an OC based on his success with Peyton Manning. That's just inconclusive.

Trestman is interesting I suppose.

[justasportsfan]

As DB mentioned, my choice is and was 3 years ago, Marc Trestman.





"I think he's like Bill Walsh, because he's one of those guys that you want to go out and lay it on the line for. He is totally committed, and players are going to want to play for a guy like that!" – Hall of Fame WR Jerry Rice


"I think he is one of the most creative minds in football, and he probably isn't getting enough credit for what he has done as an offensive strategist in the NFL." – Former NFL Head Coach Jon Gruden


the thing I like about Marc is his aggressiveness. I feel like he's always in attack mode, and as players, we respond to that." – 2002 NFL MVP Rich Gannon


"One of the most attractive qualities of Marc is he possesses an in-depth overall knowledge of the offensive game. Marc was one of the brightest coaches we worked with." – Two-time Super Bowl champion Head Coach George Seifert

He wanted Rusell Wilson for what it's worth.

[NOT THE DUDE...]

gruden
saban
chip kelly
rex ryan- if available

and would love norv turner as the oc with the new qb...

my first choice if possible would be rex ryan and norv as oc

[DraftBoy]

Not sure I like yer list. Although you never know who will get it right. John Harbaugh was not an attractive choice either. I just think there are more established guys out there in terms of coordinators.

Also I would never take an OC based on his success with Peyton Manning. That's just inconclusive.

Trestman is interesting I suppose.

You need to look at McCoy then if you think his only success is with Manning.

Had Kyle Orton play a career year, then completely redid the offense for Tebow, to then completely redo it again for Manning.

[justasportsfan]

saban

rex ryan- if available

and would love norv turner as the oc with the new qb...

my first choice if possible would be rex ryan and norv as oc

just say no to drugs

[justasportsfan]

[/I]I would take Billick,.

he would most likely bring in Sexy Rexy to be his DC if Rexy is fired

[Mahdi]

You need to look at McCoy then if you think his only success is with Manning.

Had Kyle Orton play a career year, then completely redid the offense for Tebow, to then completely redo it again for Manning.

Wasn't McDaniels the play-caller for Orton's good year?

[Mr. Miyagi]

He wanted Rusell Wilson for what it's worth.
Then why doesn't Trestman already have an NFL job? Why is he north of the border?

[justasportsfan]

Then why doesn't Trestman already have an NFL job? Why is he north of the border?

Don't know. Some of them have to start somewhere as a HC just like college.

[Mr. Miyagi]

Don't know. Some of them have to start somewhere as a HC just like college.
Just a quick wiki shows he's held various NFL jobs for a long time, jumping from team to team as QB coach and went as high as OC but never made it through any higher. I wonder why that is.


Trestman moved to the National Football League (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/National_Football_League) and coached the running backs (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/Running_back) with the Minnesota Vikings (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/Minnesota_Vikings) in 1985 (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/1985_Minnesota_Vikings_season) and 1986 (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/1986_Minnesota_Vikings_season). He became quarterbacks coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/Tampa_Bay_Buccaneers) in 1987 (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/1987_Tampa_Bay_Buccaneers_season) then held the same position with the Cleveland Browns (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/Cleveland_Browns) in 1988 (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/1988_Cleveland_Browns_season). In Cleveland (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/Cleveland) he again coached Kosar and the team finished 10–6 and made the playoffs. He was promoted to offensive coordinator (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/Offensive_coordinator) in 1989 (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/1989_Cleveland_Browns_season). That year Kosar passed for 3,533 yards and 18 TDs, wide receiver (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/Wide_receiver) Webster Slaughter (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/Webster_Slaughter) had a franchise record 1,236 receiving yards, and the Browns made it to the AFC Championship (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/AFC_Championship) game.

In 1990 (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/1990_Minnesota_Vikings_season), Trestman returned to Minnesota as quarterbacks coach for the Vikings. He spent two years there and then left coaching for three years.

He returned to the NFL in 1995 (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/1995_NFL_season) as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator with San Francisco (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/San_Francisco_49ers), where he served in that capacity through 1996 (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/1996_NFL_season). The first year he was there the 49ers led the NFL with 457 points scored, 644 pass attempts and 4,779 passing yards.

Trestman joined the Detroit Lions (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/Detroit_Lions) as quarterbacks coach in 1997 (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/1997_NFL_season). That year Lion's quarterback Scott Mitchell (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/Scott_Mitchell_(American_football)) passed for 3,484 yards, second most in team history.

In 1998 (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/1998_NFL_season) he was with the Arizona Cardinals (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/Arizona_Cardinals) as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator. That year quarterback Jake Plummer (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/Jake_Plummer) threw for 3,737 yards, and the Cardinals made the playoffs for the first time since 1982 (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/1982_NFL_season) and won their first post season game in 51 years.

He next went to the Oakland Raiders (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/Oakland_Raiders) in 2001 (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/2001_NFL_season) as the quarterbacks coach. In 2002 (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/2002_NFL_season) he was promoted to offensive coordinator and the Raiders led the NFL in total offense with 389.8 yards per game and passing yards with 279.7 per game. Under Trestman's guidance, Raiders QB Rich Gannon (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/Rich_Gannon) won the 2002 NFL MVP award as the Raiders reached Super Bowl XXXVII (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/Super_Bowl_XXXVII), losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Trestman spent the 2004 (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/2004_NFL_season) season with the Miami Dolphins (http://www.billszone.com/wiki/Miami_Dolphins) before returning to the college ranks.

[DraftBoy]

Wasn't McDaniels the play-caller for Orton's good year?

Don't recall honestly, could be. McCoy was the OC and QB Coach though.

[TrEd FTW]

Mike "the real" McCoy.

[Mahdi]

Don't recall honestly, could be. McCoy was the OC and QB Coach though.

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_16525723 -- found this -- which makes sense because I remember Josh on the sidelines with his big play card.

So for Mike McCoy it just seems like he has had either McDaniels or Manning heavily involved in play-calling which to me doesn't look good if you want a guy to come in and bring his own ideas. Looks like he hasn't really had a chance to put forth his ideas yet so its too unknown for me.

[Don't Panic]

Some good choices on this thread.

Roman, Zimmer, Gruden and Nolan stand out from the coordinator ranks. Reid would be a great fit, if he's willing to get right back in it. Chucky would be ideal, but it isn't happening. Chip Kelly is definitely intriguing if he was interested... and if he could bring in a quality DC with him. I'd take any of those six.

[MTBillsFan]

Jim Tressel...please!
More like Jim Fassel will happen
eff it....
How about Ted Nolan? He has ties to Buffalo can't be worse than Chan

[Jaybird]

My short list;
Mike McCoy-OC Denver
Hue Jackson-DB Coach Cincy
Marc Trestman-HC Montreal Alouettes
Gus Bradley-DC Seattle
Jay Gruden-OC Cincy

Trestman would be a nice move and I think is realistic
im a montrealer and what he's done I the CfL is nothing short of dominance

[scartown]

My short list;
Mike McCoy-OC Denver
Hue Jackson-DB Coach Cincy
Marc Trestman-HC Montreal Alouettes
Gus Bradley-DC Seattle
Jay Gruden-OC Cincy


Looks a lot like my list.
Jay Gruden
Gus Bradley
Mike McCoy
and Chip Kelly from the college ranks depending on if he wants total control of the football operations like its been put out there. I don't want a guy with no NFL experience at all having that much power.

[X-Era]

I think it should be:

Cowher
Gruden

And then possibly:

Chip Kelly
Nick Saban

Outside of that I'm not overly excited.

Let's not forget that Mularkey and Williams were both highly thought of HC candidates at the time... Wade was as well.

[Don't Panic]

A lot of guys could be successful here. I have no doubt about that, and the fact that the last four haven't doesn't change that one bit. Rather than piss and moan about how others have failed previously, I'd like to think about how someone else could be successful in the future. F track records... hope springs eternal.

[X-Era]

A lot of guys could be successful here. I have no doubt about that, and the fact that the last four haven't doesn't change that one bit. Rather than piss and moan about how others have failed previously, I'd like to think about how someone else could be successful in the future. F track records... hope springs eternal.
Is it not true that if you do what you've always done, you get what you've always got?

What haven't we tried since Levy?

Hired a marquee HC
Stuck with who we have after 3 years

[YardRat]

IMO it's far more important who the HC brings with him as coordinators, than even the HC himself possibly, but in all honesty I'm not 'up' enough on many of the choices mentioned to base a 'want' on that.

For those with previous head coaching experience I guess my first choice would be Billick. Yes, he's an arrogant ****, but if he can play nice with Whaley (and/or Nix if he stays) and bring Rex Ryan and Norv Turner with him, I'd be all over that.

Andy Reid---No. Burnt crisp, and tried to make a DC out of an oline coach. No thanks.
Wade Philips---Won't happen until long after Ralph is dead and buried, so no use even considering him.
Mike Nolan---Not impressed.
Jack Del Rio---I could live with Del Rio...wouldn't be bad to bring in somebody with fire in his belly.
Norv Turner---hell no, only as a coordinator.
Marty Schottenheimer---No. I want to win, not pad a retirement.
Brian Billick---See above.
Gruden---No way, and he probably doesn't want anything to do with Buffalo.
Cowher---Definitely doesn't want anything to do with Buffalo. **** him.
Haslett---Sure. As Historian alluded to, he should've been given a legit shot to return to Blo before this.
Dungy---Hell no. Couldn't win with a consistently dominant defense, than couldn't get close to building one in Indy.
Butch Davis---Uggh. Stay in college, please. What a train wreck.
Mike McCoy---Not ready for big-boy pants, IMO.
Hue Jackson---Sure.
Rex Ryan---Only as a coordinator.
Perry Fewell---I'd like to see him get a shot. He's a player's coach for sure.

Coordinators--

Mike Zimmer---Depends on who he brings with him.
Bruce Arians---No.
Kyle Shanahan---Hell no.
Gus Bradley---I'd be willing to give him a shot...his defense can be sick.
Rod Marinelli---Maybe, if we want to return to a Tampa 2.
Greg Roman---Meh...only if he can lure vet coordinators.
Vic Fangio---No. He's one of those guys whose ceiling is right where he is.
Jay Gruden---No. Screw anybody named Gruden, Shanahan or Cowher. Only if it comes down to him and his brother as the only choices.


College--

Chip Kelly---He won't come to Buffalo, and doesn't deserve total control anyway.
Nick Saban---Hell no.
Jim Tressel---No. IMO he crashes and burns at this level.
David Shaw---Interesting. Out of any college coach he'd be above the others, but his track record is pretty limited.

Other-

Trestman..Sure. Last time we dragged a winner from the CFL it turned out pretty well.

So, I guess my short list would be Billick, Del Rio, Haslett, Jackson, Fewell, Zimmer, Bradley, Marinelli and Trestman, not necessarily in that order.

[DraftBoy]

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_16525723 -- found this -- which makes sense because I remember Josh on the sidelines with his big play card.

So for Mike McCoy it just seems like he has had either McDaniels or Manning heavily involved in play-calling which to me doesn't look good if you want a guy to come in and bring his own ideas. Looks like he hasn't really had a chance to put forth his ideas yet so its too unknown for me.
So he gets no credit for re-inventing Orton, or getting Tebow ready for the NFL?

[DraftBoy]

IMO it's far more important who the HC brings with him as coordinators, than even the HC himself possibly, but in all honesty I'm not 'up' enough on many of the choices mentioned to base a 'want' on that.

For those with previous head coaching experience I guess my first choice would be Billick. Yes, he's an arrogant ****, but if he can play nice with Whaley (and/or Nix if he stays) and bring Rex Ryan and Norv Turner with him, I'd be all over that.

Andy Reid---No. Burnt crisp, and tried to make a DC out of an oline coach. No thanks.
Wade Philips---Won't happen until long after Ralph is dead and buried, so no use even considering him.
Mike Nolan---Not impressed.
Jack Del Rio---I could live with Del Rio...wouldn't be bad to bring in somebody with fire in his belly.
Norv Turner---hell no, only as a coordinator.
Marty Schottenheimer---No. I want to win, not pad a retirement.
Brian Billick---See above.
Gruden---No way, and he probably doesn't want anything to do with Buffalo.
Cowher---Definitely doesn't want anything to do with Buffalo. **** him.
Haslett---Sure. As Historian alluded to, he should've been given a legit shot to return to Blo before this.
Dungy---Hell no. Couldn't win with a consistently dominant defense, than couldn't get close to building one in Indy.
Butch Davis---Uggh. Stay in college, please. What a train wreck.
Mike McCoy---Not ready for big-boy pants, IMO.
Hue Jackson---Sure.
Rex Ryan---Only as a coordinator.
Perry Fewell---I'd like to see him get a shot. He's a player's coach for sure.

Coordinators--

Mike Zimmer---Depends on who he brings with him.
Bruce Arians---No.
Kyle Shanahan---Hell no.
Gus Bradley---I'd be willing to give him a shot...his defense can be sick.
Rod Marinelli---Maybe, if we want to return to a Tampa 2.
Greg Roman---Meh...only if he can lure vet coordinators.
Vic Fangio---No. He's one of those guys whose ceiling is right where he is.
Jay Gruden---No. Screw anybody named Gruden, Shanahan or Cowher. Only if it comes down to him and his brother as the only choices.


College--

Chip Kelly---He won't come to Buffalo, and doesn't deserve total control anyway.
Nick Saban---Hell no.
Jim Tressel---No. IMO he crashes and burns at this level.
David Shaw---Interesting. Out of any college coach he'd be above the others, but his track record is pretty limited.

Other-

Trestman..Sure. Last time we dragged a winner from the CFL it turned out pretty well.

So, I guess my short list would be Billick, Del Rio, Haslett, Jackson, Fewell, Zimmer, Bradley, Marinelli and Trestman, not necessarily in that order.

McCoy has been a three year OC and called all the plays this past year with Manning. Don't know many that are more ready for that next step.

[DraftBoy]

Can I ask what Haslett has done as a HC to make anybody want to give him another shot?

[YardRat]

Can I ask what Haslett has done as a HC to make anybody want to give him another shot?

He took and a dog**** 3-13 team that needed to believe in themselves to 10-6 (granted, nothing after that) and is a sentimental favorite for the few of us that actually followed the team prior to the Polian/Levy era.

Interesting anecdote that I share from time to time...I got to spend about an hour in the early '80's bull****ting with an employee of the team that had daily contact with all of the players and he told me Haslett was 'dumber than a box of rocks' and would be lost on the field without Shane Nelson next to him.

[McBFLO]

Jay Gruden could be a good, realistic candidate. Young, proven ability to develop a QB. Has the pedigree. Plus, he's in Cincy. Not exactly a big market. Buffalo might not be all that repulsive to him. He'd also have some good offensive talent to work with here.

[DraftBoy]

He took and a dog**** 3-13 team that needed to believe in themselves to 10-6 (granted, nothing after that) and is a sentimental favorite for the few of us that actually followed the team prior to the Polian/Levy era.

Interesting anecdote that I share from time to time...I got to spend about an hour in the early '80's bull****ting with an employee of the team that had daily contact with all of the players and he told me Haslett was 'dumber than a box of rocks' and would be lost on the field without Shane Nelson next to him.

So that's our new standard? I have zero interest in sentiment playing any factor in this hire.

I love those kind of stories, I have a few about college guys Ill share one day, just not anytime soon.

[YardRat]

So that's our new standard? I have zero interest in sentiment playing any factor in this hire.

I love those kind of stories, I have a few about college guys Ill share one day, just not anytime soon.

Just giving an honest answer.

[DraftBoy]

Just giving an honest answer.
I appreciate that, but my concern was honest. We are in such a dire situation fans are willing to accept less just for change.

[Generalissimus Gibby]

Ralph is desperate to win before he dies. . . . And to be cheap . . . very cheap . . . about it. Look for the New England Patriots equipment manager to be named HC this spring. Ralph, loving New England Castoffs will also try to get Tony Eason as QB.

[better days]

So that's our new standard? I have zero interest in sentiment playing any factor in this hire.

I love those kind of stories, I have a few about college guys Ill share one day, just not anytime soon.

Hell no, that is not the new standard, that standard has been in place for YEARS.

[TrEd FTW]

Haslett is awful.

[kishoph]

I've been thinking that Gus Bradley might be a good fit. I think he could straighten out the Bills defense and just because he's defensive minded, doesn't mean the offense can't thrive under him, there's no better example of that than Bill Belichick, who was a defensive coordinator. There's no sure fire lock to bring in as HC and really the Bills choices may be limited. Bradley may have interest from other teams, but I believe that the Bills have a good foundation with a solid O-line a very good running back and some talent on the defensive side of the ball, plus they would probably make him rich. It's not that ugly of a picture for a HC candidate to consider.

[THE END OF ALL DAYS]

This same thread could have started in the waning moments of skelator's tenure.... Lots of great coaching suggestions.... And then they hired Chan. Thud.
Expect the Same.

[Don't Panic]

I've been thinking that Gus Bradley might be a good fit. I think he could straighten out the Bills defense and just because he's defensive minded, doesn't mean the offense can't thrive under him, there's no better example of that than Bill Belichick, who was a defensive coordinator. There's no sure fire lock to bring in as HC and really the Bills choices may be limited. Bradley may have interest from other teams, but I believe that the Bills have a good foundation with a solid O-line a very good running back and some talent on the defensive side of the ball, plus they would probably make him rich. It's not that ugly of a picture for a HC candidate to consider.

I'm right there with you. Bradley looks like a great fit, and he will be a head coach some time soon. I also agree that our roster is attractive to a potential candidates, especially if they have ideas on who the next QB should be.

I wouldn't mind Andy Reid walking through the door, but considering that's probably not going to happen, I think a guy like Bradley makes the most sense. If they do their homework and decide Zimmer, Roman or lil Gruden would be a better fit, so be it. I can just about guarantee at least one of those four is going to be a good head coach though, and now is the time to get one of them.

[Night Train]

Probably will be some college coach or young, upcoming coordinator.

The usual suspects ( I've HEARD of him ! ) won't be coming here.

I'll just wait, hoping they screw up and actually make a good pick.

[better days]

Listening to WDAE 620 Tampa yesterday, they were discussing Coaching changes for next year. It looks like 8 teams & maybe more will make a Coaching change after the season ends. That is 1/4 of the entire NFL will be looking for a new HC. HC's are like QBs, it is not easy to find a GOOD one because there are not that many available.

I think Marc Trestman would make a good HC myself. He had a lot of success as an OC in the NFL & won the Grey cup in the CFL as the HC of Montreal. As Yardrat said, the last time the Bills hired a Coach from Montreal, it worked out pretty well.

[YardRat]

I've been thinking that Gus Bradley might be a good fit. I think he could straighten out the Bills defense and just because he's defensive minded, doesn't mean the offense can't thrive under him, there's no better example of that than Bill Belichick, who was a defensive coordinator. There's no sure fire lock to bring in as HC and really the Bills choices may be limited. Bradley may have interest from other teams, but I believe that the Bills have a good foundation with a solid O-line a very good running back and some talent on the defensive side of the ball, plus they would probably make him rich. It's not that ugly of a picture for a HC candidate to consider.


I'm right there with you. Bradley looks like a great fit, and he will be a head coach some time soon. I also agree that our roster is attractive to a potential candidates, especially if they have ideas on who the next QB should be.

I wouldn't mind Andy Reid walking through the door, but considering that's probably not going to happen, I think a guy like Bradley makes the most sense. If they do their homework and decide Zimmer, Roman or lil Gruden would be a better fit, so be it. I can just about guarantee at least one of those four is going to be a good head coach though, and now is the time to get one of them.

Except for the fact that Bradley probably has Pete Carroll whispering in his ear what a ****ty organization Buffalo is and he'd be nuts to come here.

[The Jokeman]

Mike McCoy could end up being the guy. As he's done good things in Denver with Tebow and Manning at QB and he doesn't have the name wow that a guy like Gruden would. Bradley's another guy we could see as am sure he'd get an endorsement from Phil Hansen. Trestman just seems to be a guy that would ask for too much money and/or Ralph wouldn't trust much. Jackson is interesting but has the Oakland stink on him which might still linger. Gruden is another guy that think be a hot name and because of his brother might have a choice of where to go and think he could end up replacing Reid in Philly if Jon doesn't take the job himself.

[Don't Panic]

Except for the fact that Bradley probably has Pete Carroll whispering in his ear what a ****ty organization Buffalo is and he'd be nuts to come here.

Is that based on some inside info. or are you just willing to type "Except for the fact that ______ probably has ______ whispering in his ear what a ****ty organization Buffalo is and he'd be nuts to come here." as a response to any query of a potential hire?

[YardRat]

Is that based on some inside info. or are you just willing to type "Except for the fact that ______ probably has ______ whispering in his ear what a ****ty organization Buffalo is and he'd be nuts to come here." as a response to any query of a potential hire?

Well, considering it's the only potential hire that I've used that phrase with out of the 29 I listed in my original post I think you're being a wee bit over the top.

Based on inside info? Absolutely not, but if you don't think coaches, especially those on the same staff, don't dig for info from others with personal experience than that's being pretty naive. Wade Phillips will never return to Buffalo until Ralph is dead and buried, most likely not even then, and guys like him, Carroll and Mularkey who left on bad terms certainly aren't going to give their assistants or peers sterling reviews of the Bill's organization.