Following Doug Marrone’s unexpected departure from Buffalo on New Years Eve, the Bills are finalizing a deal to make Rex Ryan their new Head Coach.
Rex Ryan Set to be Buffalo Bills New Head Coach
Earlier this morning ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted the breaking story.
Filed to ESPN: Bills putting finishing touches on deal that will make Rex Ryan their next HC, per sources. More on Sunday NFL Countdown.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 11, 2015
Ryan’s deal is expected to be for 5 years, $27.5 Million and he is set to bring former Jets defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman with him. Ryan, known for his defensive pedigree inherits the leagues 4th best defense along with most of the staff that made this unit so formidable.
Rex Ryan's five-year deal with the Bills will be for $27.5 million, per source.
— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaSports) January 11, 2015
As the Bills new HC, Ryan will stay within the AFC East and will face his former team twice a year during his tenure.
One of the concerns with going to Buffalo will be the lack of starting caliber quarterback on the Bills roster. Kyle Orton has retired and there are many questions about the ability of E.J. Manuel, who lost the starting spot to Orton after just four games this past season. Ryan was unable to develop a quality starting quarterback during his time with the Jets, failing on Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith. It is believed that former Chicago Bears head coach Marc Trestman a noted quarterback expert will be amongst the front runners for offensive coordinator along with former offensive co-ordinator of the San Francisco 49ers, Greg Roman.
While in New York, Ryan led the Jets to a 46-50 record and the AFC Championship game in his first two years. He was fired when the Jets finished with a 4-12 record last season and missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. Ryan held his second interview with the Bills on Saturday and also interviewed for the Atlanta Falcons.
Update:
Several media sources are stating that Jim Schwartz will stay on as defensive coordinator while a deal is being finalized to bring Greg Roman in as the team’s new offensive coordinator.
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