Marrone opted out per Schefter

[ghz in pittsburgh]

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/550428416298983425

[YardRat]

Just heard this myself...that's pretty big.

[ckg927]

Just heard this myself...that's pretty big.

Might this be the precursor to something else?

[ghz in pittsburgh]

Chris Brown ‏<del class="bbc">@</del>ChrisBrownBills (https://twitter.com/ChrisBrownBills) 2m2 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/ChrisBrownBills/status/550429161383534592)
Doug Marrone chooses to opt out of his contract with <del class="bbc">#</del>Bills (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bills?src=hash) per statement from owner Terry Pegula. Search for new head coach to begin.

Who said it is not a power play? You know something is up if it takes that long ...

[X-Era]

Unfuggin real.

I want a LEGIT upgrade or I am pissed. And no a never has been or a previously fired HC does NOT equal an upgrade.

[THE END OF ALL DAYS]

holy shat!

[cookie G]

wow...I bet he wanted more security and the Bills refused.

So when does Hackett get promoted to HC?

[X-Era]

I want Cowher

[ckg927]

wow...I bet he wanted more security and the Bills refused.

So when does Hackett get promoted to HC?

How about the 1st of NEVER?

[coastal]

Schwartz

[Dr. Who]

Might this be the precursor to something else?

Well, I still think Polian will end up with the organization in some capacity.
It may be a crapshoot, but the rumor was Reich might be the replacement. Reich has a good relationship with Polian.
Personally, I hope it happens. I also hope we can hold onto Schwartz as DC. Not crazy about Schwartz as head coach.
Guess we'll find out.

[THE END OF ALL DAYS]

lay money its schwartz's gig now

[Novacane]

Promote Schwartz get a top OC and we'll be better off!

[sudzy]

This is great. New owner, new team. Let's see what Pegula can do.

[ghz in pittsburgh]

You gotta say its consistent with Marrone's personality: if he asked for something and didn't get, he's not backing down.

[YardRat]

Reported that he asked for extensions for himself and his assistants and was denied.

Apparently AW tweeted 'lost all respect' for Marrone.

[justasportsfan]

Promote Schwartz get a top OC and we'll be better off!

Trestman for OC

[sudzy]

The good news is Hackett is gone

[SpikedLemonade]

wow...I bet he wanted more security and the Bills refused.

So when does Hackett get promoted to HC?

I thought he had 3 years left on a 5 year contract.

My guess it is one of two possibilities:

(1) They tried to force him to replace Hackett and he refused so he opted out; OR

(2) He wasn't getting along with Whaley.

I think this is a positive development.

He had no idea how to create a NFL caliber offense and neither did his little bum buddy.

Now that money is no object, I am hoping for a really sought after HC with NFL experience.

[ckg927]

Trestman for OC

I REALLY hope you're joking.

The Bears this year was a tire fire, offense-wise. And don't bring up his CFL resume. Being good in the CFL doesn't automatically mean you'll be as successful in the NFL.

[Lexwhat]

Reported that he asked for extensions for himself and his assistants and was denied.

Apparently AW tweeted 'lost all respect' for Marrone.

Who is "AW" ?

[ghz in pittsburgh]

If Marrone indeed asked for an extension or more power, he really pinned Pegula into a corner. I know that much, Russ Brandon would've given in. That turn of event put the whole front office into a loop now ...

[sudzy]

If he doesn't end up with one of the HC jobs, he is truly a Moron. HC gigs are hard to come by. How did Mularkey's bail on this team end up for him?

[Fixxxer]

back to square one.

[SpikedLemonade]

Schwartz

I would not be totally pissed off, but I would prefer they get him to stay at DC and bring in a real heavy hitter as HC and someone elite at OC.

[kingJofNYC]

Remember when this **** got on his high horse last year when the D staff bailed with Pettine. "We only want guys that want to be here," is what he said.

Too ****ing funny. Good riddance to this ****ing scumbag. Coached like a coward and when the going got tough the dude was the first one out of town.

[X-Era]

back to square one.Absolutely not.

We've lost nothing until we lose Schwartz. The offense is one of the worst in the league, the roster is still playoff caliber, and Schwartz is still the DC.

Until our D takes a big hit we're just fine.

[Lexwhat]

While Marrone was negotiating an extension beyond the two years remaining on his four-year $16 million deal, uncertainty over potential organizational changes influenced his decision, according to sources.


Marrone's clause also allows him to walk with his 2015 guaranteed base salary of $4 million without it counting as an offset against any future salary even if he should land another job, sources said. Marrone now is free to negotiate with any team seeking a head coach.

[Novacane]

If he doesn't end up with one of the HC jobs, he is truly a Moron. HC gigs are hard to come by. How did Mularkey's bail on this team end up for him?

NFL networks says he's going to the Jets

[kscdogbillsfan1221]

Jesus Christ. And I thought the Jets and Browns were dysfunctional..

[Night Train]

all over ESPN.

I'm happy.

[kingJofNYC]

Frank Reich is the answer. Let Schwartz coach the D, he was a bad head coach. I'm willing to give Reich a shot before Schwartz. Either that or we try to poach a college coach.

[kscdogbillsfan1221]

Frank Reich is the answer. Let Schwartz coach the D, he was a bad head coach. I'm willing to give Reich a shot before Schwartz. Either that or we try to poach a college coach.

you think Schwartz will stay as DC behind a first time HC?
highly doubt it

[Lexwhat]

Sorry, but if Marrone was expecting an extension, that is ridiculous.

He made a business move to try to force Pegula's hand, but Pegula was content risking Marrone walking away with $4 million of his money.

We went 4-0 against the NFC this year, and 5-7 against the rest of the AFC. I attribute our NFC wins to Jim Schwartz's great game plans against his former divisional foes.

I am not upset to see Marrone leave.

[ckg927]

If Marrone indeed asked for an extension or more power, he really pinned Pegula into a corner. I know that much, Russ Brandon would've given in. That turn of event put the whole front office into a loop now ...

Tim Graham just tweeted that, per a league source, that's exactly what happened. And Pegs said no. Then Marrone wanted extensions for his assistants...and was told no. And then, just like a little BEE-YOTCH, Marrone took his ball and went home.

[jimmifli]

Gym Shorts should get the HC job, I'd be OK with Riech as the HC and Jim as an assistant if that helped him stick around.

[justasportsfan]

Marrone is my most hated coach right now. He quit on his team and the fans. He said he understood the fans from this region. Whatever

[SpikedLemonade]

While Marrone was negotiating an extension beyond the two years remaining on his four-year $16 million deal, uncertainty over potential organizational changes influenced his decision, according to sources.


Marrone's clause also allows him to walk with his 2015 guaranteed base salary of $4 million without it counting as an offset against any future salary even if he should land another job, sources said. Marrone now is free to negotiate with any team seeking a head coach.

Russ Brandon should be fired immediately for giving Marrone that clause.

[DraftBoy]

Wow...I'm shocked.

I expect interviews to be lined up quickly...

Reich, Quinn, Bowles, Gase would be my top 4.

[sudzy]

Aaron Williams just tweeted he's lost all respect for Marrone. So have I

[kscdogbillsfan1221]

Why is everyone so high on Reich? I honestly don't get it.

[TacklingDummy]

Doomed without a QB. Hes a smart man.

[ghz in pittsburgh]

I like Marrone and he may do well in the future in NFL, but I can't back him on this move.

If you just bought a business that you don't have a great deal of knowledge of inner works, your manager immediately asks for a contract extension (more guaranteed money) right away, what do you do?

[Novacane]

The good news is Hackett is gone


And if Marrone gets the Jets job Hackett will prolly be their OC :rofl:

[cookie G]

Who is "AW" ?

Aaron Watson

[ckg927]

Russ Brandon should be fired immediately for giving Marrone that clause.

Dave Zirin just dropped this blast on Twitter: "I either want Doug Marrone or David Gregory's job in 2015. Money for nothing indeed."

[Joe Fo Sho]

Aaron Watson

The punt returner?

[imbondz]

This news gives me a headache

[casdhf]

What a dick head. The players have to be stunned and enraged.

[ckg927]

What a dick head. The players have to be stunned and enraged.

Preston Brown just tweeted "Wow. That's crazy."

[Ingtar33]

first of all, any HC worth our time to interview is going to want full autonomy in picking his staff. Which means Schwartz will be gone unless we hire a sockpuppet.

secondly, Schwartz knows this so he's probably asking management for the permission to seek other jobs right now

third, if we like Schwartz we'll have to give him the HC job, it's the only way we're keeping him.

forth, it's not schwartz's fault that Matt Stafford is a middling quarterback. he was only canned in detroit because the ownership thought stafford should be better then aaron rogers. He did a good job in motown.

[don137]

Why would a player want to play for a coach that quits on his team?

[BillsImpossible]

What a dick head. The players have to be stunned and enraged.

They're probably stunned, but doubt they're enraged.

Stunned and elated!

[SpikedLemonade]

This news gives me a headache

Talk to your pastor.

[Night Train]

Part of it was he was married to Orton at least for another year and was stunned when he retired. He hates Manuel but this O was already bottom 5 and had no where to go but up. It was Gailey married to Fiitz allover again and that couldn't happen.

Good bye and good luck.

[Don't Panic]

Aaron Williams just tweeted he's lost all respect for Marrone. So have I

im right there with him. What a ****ing pussy this guy is.

[Famous Amos]

Good riddance. I've been told he's better than we think. last time someone said that about one of our coaches, it was Wade Phillips. Marrone is no Wade. At least son of Bum got us to the playoffs.

With Orton stepping down and now Marrone, it puts the Bills in a position where they absolutely need to be aggressive to fill in the holes. Hopefully, they'll be smart about it.

[coastal]

He can **** off for this move

[ckg927]

Who is "AW" ?

Aaron Williams. He added that he was "completely pissed off", but that it wouldn't ruin his NYE plans.

[Mr. Cynical]

:drunks:

[sudzy]

The bottom line is the guy took a job. Didn't finish and then just quit on his team. He leaves just like he coached, without any balls.
Two years in. Thing aren't going as well as I'd like. Might as well PUNT.

[Bunion]

NFL Network is saying that Reich's our first choice replacement?

[sudzy]

NFL Network is saying that Reich's our first choice replacement?

I'm guessing that's a guess. This all went down today, I doubt Pegula has had time to think about Marrone's replacement, yet. Although I would bring Reich in for an interview.

[kscdogbillsfan1221]

NFL Network is saying that Reich's our first choice replacement?

somebody please explain to me why that is an upgrade? what has he proven?

[BillsImpossible]

The bottom line is the guy took a job. Didn't finish and then just quit on his team. He leaves just like he coached, without any balls.
Two years in. Thing aren't going as well as I'd like. Might as well PUNT.

Rhymes with (unt.

[BillsImpossible]

somebody please explain to me why that is an upgrade? what has he proven?

Reich has always been loyal to the Buffalo Bills. He was a good quarterback too, and would bring in a better offensive staff.

Frank Reich has also proven that he is not an a$$hole.

[kscdogbillsfan1221]

Reich has always been loyal to the Buffalo Bills. He was a good quarterback too, and would bring in a better offensive staff.

Frank Reich has also proven that he is not an a$$hole.

the problem is i can almost guarantee you (my own speculation, nothing more) that Schwartz would leave if Reich is hired.
that make the revolving door of DC's continue, learning a new system for the fifth straight year.

[sudzy]

Rhymes with (unt.

Now that you mention it. That is what Marrone is acting like.

[OLDSRIP]

Marrone is my most hated coach right now. He quit on his team and the fans. He said he understood the fans from this region. Whatever

Now he will go to the Jets and say how he is from the Bronx and understands that region.

[snow1989]

Oh Good Grief !! Frank Riech should not even be in the conversation at this point. He hasn't been an offensive coordinator long enough,,,,,sheesh.....we need a proven winner

[The Natrix]

Good riddance.

[sudzy]

Now he will go to the Jets and say how he is from the Bronx and understands that region.

He would seriously leave the Bills for the one team that is a bigger mess at QB?

[starrymessenger]

Aaron Williams just tweeted he's lost all respect for Marrone. So have I

I never had any.

[BillsImpossible]

the problem is i can almost guarantee you (my own speculation, nothing more) that Schwartz would leave if Reich is hired.
that make the revolving door of DC's continue, learning a new system for the fifth straight year.

Schwartz' name has surprisingly not been mentioned much.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2312806-ranking-the-best-available-head-coaching-candidates

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000448364/article/jim-harbaugh-leads-top-10-headcoaching-candidates

I'd love to promote him to head coach of the Bills, but if that happens how are the Bills going to fix their offense with a defensive minded head coach?

If the Bills offer Schwartz the job, I don't think he would have control over who he wants for his offensive staff.

Holy crap storm on New Year's Eve 2014.

[starrymessenger]

the problem is i can almost guarantee you (my own speculation, nothing more) that Schwartz would leave if Reich is hired.
that make the revolving door of DC's continue, learning a new system for the fifth straight year.
If so, promote Pepper.

[Mace]

Well, I can honestly say I'm not upset. I haven't said much since the season ended because I was stunned to find myself getting 2004 flashbacks (good d, bad o, ol trouble, qb issues, iffy coach, and I was trying to figure how 2015 wouldn't be 2005 (2004 went from 9-7 to 5-11 and Mularkey bailed) and wondering if Marrone was a Mularkey....

When Marrone had the chance to decisively deny he'd opt out he didn't, and Marrone is quick with a "that's ridiculous", so it made me hopeful...

Marrone just sort of confirmed he's a Mularkey and I really think you'll see him follow the Mularkey path into nowhere.

I'm not feeling good about Schwartz as an HC, he had a talent loaded, terribly disciplined Detroit team he only managed to get one winning season out of, but I really think even if it is him, it won't turn out as poorly as if Marrone had remained. I like Marrone, he's a Buffalo kind of guy, but I think he's NFL HC failsauce and "his" team looked to me like they topped out at 9-7, much like I thought Mularkey's did, and Jauron's couldn't.

I don't think he was well prepared to be an HC in the NFL, adapted poorly to the process of becoming one, and if he goes to the Jets, I wouldn't worry at us facing him twice a year. His biggest strength was that he either chose or didn't stop the hiring of good DC's and left them alone once he had them. His offense expertise wasn't there, his OL background helped nothing, his game management was oblivious, his sideline demeanor ever queasy and fearful which was reflected in most of his decisions though he had a mad streak of riverboat gambler for a few games because everyone was all over him about it, before he rerooted in punt again.

Thank you Doug, bye. Next.....

[starrymessenger]

I like Marrone and he may do well in the future in NFL, but I can't back him on this move.

If you just bought a business that you don't have a great deal of knowledge of inner works, your manager immediately asks for a contract extension (more guaranteed money) right away, what do you do?

Owners and GMs can be pretty stupid, but I don't think the smart ones will be impressed with Doug's behavior.
i think he may have totally overplayed his 9/7 hand (for which he deserves no credit anyway).

[Meathead]

Apparently AW tweeted 'lost all respect' for Marrone.

anthony weiner is involved in all this?

[Forward_Lateral]

What a ****ing ****ty *******

[stuckincincy]

While Marrone was negotiating an extension beyond the two years remaining on his four-year $16 million deal, uncertainty over potential organizational changes influenced his decision, according to sources.


Marrone's clause also allows him to walk with his 2015 guaranteed base salary of $4 million without it counting as an offset against any future salary even if he should land another job, sources said. Marrone now is free to negotiate with any team seeking a head coach.

Smart...he and his agent remembered what BUF did to Mike Mularkey.

[Mace]

Smart...he and his agent remembered what BUF did to Mike Mularkey.

Or what Mularkey did to Buffalo, his star has not exactly been rising since with a path of glory.

[Forward_Lateral]

Why does every coach that gets 9 wins ****ing quit.

[swiper]

Reported that he asked for extensions for himself and his assistants and was denied.

Apparently AW tweeted 'lost all respect' for Marrone.

AW?

[ckg927]

AW?

As already noted, that's Aaron Williams who dropped that blast.

[BillsImpossible]

Smart...he and his agent remembered what BUF did to Mike Mularkey.

That's not smart, it's weak sauce.

When the going got tough, he walked. That doesn't look good.

What will players around the league think if he becomes their next HC?

"Why should I have any respect for this man when he walked on a good team?" one or two NFL players might be thinking.

"If we don't make the playoffs, is he going to quit on us?"

Marrone has established the reputation of a quitter.

NFL players don't like quitters.

[SpikedLemonade]

As already noted, that's Aaron Williams who dropped that blast.

Apparently, EJ tweeted "Happy New Year".

He must be glad to see Marrone and Hackett gone.

[Meathead]

quite surprised bc i figured he would want to stay to finish the job and that terry p would be able to iron out any issues now but his problems with mgmt must have been worse than i thought

i think hes a talented coach who has a good chance at being successful in the nfl, to some degree bc he is sort of a self centered dick. we saw some of that in the arrogant decisions like not getting a qb coach ejs first season and not getting a real oc bc he thought he knew better. and frankly that kind of attitude sometimes can work well in the nfl, after all most of the best coaches were sort of hard ass dicks. lets put it this way, i think its easier to be successful in the nfl that way then being a nice guy hc

still, i dont think replacing him will be that hard. if hes going to the jests then how about us taking sexy rexy? id be all for that myself. assuming he got a real oc in here it might be better than what we had. im not thrilled with schwartz as hc but that might work well in a similar manner. reich might be the one guy that could be a nice coach and succeed - i would never write him off myself

so oh well, as the ralph wilson stadium turns

[Skooby]

It was mentioned elsewhere that Doug wanted extensions for everybody & really he didn't do anything to make the team that balanced. This has been a odd year in that when the offense came onto the field I thought now what's going to go wrong. During our best Polian years, we had a chance to succeed on either side of the ball to win games. Hopefully that starts right up again now, especially after watching our offense this preseason and knowing it wasn't going to pretty.

[swiper]

Apparently, EJ tweeted "Happy New Year".

He must be glad to see Marrone and Hackett gone.

Any new guy is going to want his own QB.

[sudzy]

Marrone gets $4 million for quitting.

Marrone's clause also allows him to walk away with his 2015 guaranteed base salary of $4 million
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12104824/doug-marrone-opts-contract-buffalo-bills

[GvilleBills]

AW?

The root beer magnate.

[stuckincincy]

Or what Mularkey did to Buffalo, his star has not exactly been rising since with a path of glory.

Mularkey had the last winning club, in 2003 (9 and 7). Then it was 5 -11 and management went after him by canning his staff. And graciously bowed out of a FUBAR situation...

[Skooby]

Marrone gets $4 million for quitting.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12104824/doug-marrone-opts-contract-buffalo-bills

That clause for a college coach is another example of how poorly management has performed, we plucked a obscure guy off a bad college team and gave him this option ?? Jim Harbaugh couldn't even make $5 Million & his team was 44-19, what was Doug's record ?? 15-19 ??

- - - Updated - - -


The root beer magnate.

Stay frosty.

[BillsImpossible]

Marrone gets $4 million for quitting.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12104824/doug-marrone-opts-contract-buffalo-bills

Holy crap! Marrone gets paid $4 million to walk away.

That is a punch in the gut.

How can Russ Brandon get away with his hiring of Marrone?

[Mace]

Mularkey had the last winning club, in 2003 (9 and 7). Then it was 5 -11 and management went after him by canning his staff. And graciously bowed out of a FUBAR situation...

I guess I don't remember it that way. Mularkey supposedly bailed because his kids were taking too much grief at school. Family concerns and direction.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2289987

Mularkey dismissed 5 assistants at a suggestion before deciding it was too much for him.

Well, his 9-7 was like I said, 2004, 2003 he was Steeler's OC. Since then though, same statement, he has gone from OC to TE to OC to HC to TE coach. He's not mentioned anymore as an HC candidate, he's not an HC candidate.

Mularkey made his bed and wasn't any good at it really. I don't know what he graciously bowed out of. He went back to being a reasonable TE coach.

[stuckincincy]

I guess I don't remember it that way. Mularkey supposedly bailed because his kids were taking too much grief at school. Family concerns and direction.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2289987

Mularkey dismissed 5 assistants at a suggestion before deciding it was too much for him.

Well, his 9-7 was like I said, 2004, 2003 he was Steeler's OC. Since then though, same statement, he has gone from OC to TE to OC to HC to TE coach. He's not mentioned anymore as an HC candidate, he's not an HC candidate.

Mularkey made his bed and wasn't any good at it really. I don't know what he graciously bowed out of. He went back to being a reasonable TE coach.

From your link:

..."Sources said that, while family considerations played a large role in Mularkey's decision, his views on the future of the franchise were also a significant factor. Since the end to a dismal season, the Buffalo organization has undergone a quick overhaul, and people in the NFL have questioned the Bills' direction.

A source close to Mularkey told ESPN.com's John Clayton the primary reason for Mularkey's resignation was professional. According to the source, Mularkey didn't think the way the Bills were being set up would create an environment in which he could be successful.

Wilson fired team president/general manager Tom Donahoe; re-hired Levy, the Hall of Fame coach who led the Bills to four Super Bowl appearances; and made other changes to the front office. It is believed that Wilson also suggested, but did not mandate, changes in the coaching staff. Mularkey subsequently dismissed five assistants."...

The bosses told him to can folks, which he did. Probably with a bad taste in his mouth. As the article suggests, Mularkey has "professional" concerns - which I read as ethics.

He was run out of town. Joining a long line, I might add.

[Mike]

Owners and GMs can be pretty stupid, but I don't think the smart ones will be impressed with Doug's behavior.
i think he may have totally overplayed his 9/7 hand (for which he deserves no credit anyway).

Some of you guys really have the blinders on.
For the coaches & players it's about business & $$$! They are Not Fans (fanatics) like us!
It's a job and to have blind loyalty to an organization is just Stupid.

Do you have blind loyalty to your employer? If you quite & took a better job with more $$$, would you be considered a back stabing sob?

[djjimkelly]

thank god !! this guy truly sucked as our HC 90% of our victorys the last 2 years were Defense based


GO **** YOURSELF MARRONE

my 2 biggest wishes for the offseason taken care of in 3 days lol

no more orton
no more marrone


PERFECT!!!!!!!

[Mike]

For Marrone -who I regard as an average coach/nothing special- this is a Good & Needed move. He took a personal loser to their first winning season in a Decade & Boasted a top 5 D. Unfortunately, Marrone did not see eye to eye with Waley and felt that Doug failed him in getting him the right players (like QB). After, Orton's retirement, plus a few other factors (no qb, no 1st rounder, losing FA's) it's pretty clear that the Bills will have a down year next year! As a result, it's pretty logical to conclude that leaving now is by far the best option!

1) He leaves with the reputation for helping turn the Bills around in 2 seasons
2) He distances himself from Waley's personnel decisions.
3) no control over roster & future and is afraid that next year looks bleak which would decrease his stock