Rex Ryan’s firing was expected after another disappointing loss in a letdown season for the Buffalo Bills in 2016.
The timing of Ryan’s severing was, however, very surprising with just one game remaining this season for Buffalo.
WGRZ’s Adam Benigni reported Tuesday evening Ryan approached the Pegula’s last weekend to receive an answer regarding his future, shedding some light on the interesting timing.
What’s next for the Bills team that has missed the playoffs for 17 consecutive seasons?
Bills offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn, who started the season as the backfield coach before Greg Roman’s canning, will serve as the interim coach for Sunday’s game at the Jets.
Lynn, and rightfully so, looks to have the inside track to fill the head coaching vacancy. Buffalo’s search for yet another coach will be led by GM Doug Whaley, a subject I’ll leave for another day.
Buffalo is seeking its eighth full-time coach (Lynn is second of two interim, the other being Perry Fewell in 2009) since Marv Levy’s retirement after the 1997 season.
The seven full-time coaches were Wade Phillips, Gregg Williams, Mike Mularkey, Dick Jauron, Chan Gailey, Doug Whaley and Ryan.
Lynn, again, has a great shot at becoming the next Buffalo Bills coach. The coach has sincere respect from his players, especially on offense, even after a rough year.
Lynn’s offensive unit also showed signs of light as of late, particularly against the Fins Christmas Eve. In my eyes. 589 yards would support that statement.
Anthony Lynn, of course, has more experience coaching offenses than defenses. If Lynn and “D”-coach Dennis Thurman gel together, which is likely, they’ll form a strong system.
When looking for a new coach, general managers hope to find an internal replacement. An internal hire ensures a much smoother transition with personnel and schematics.
Again, advantage goes to Lynn.
Coaching searches, however, are similar to American political elections as multiple candidates seek a specific job. Ex-Jags and Giants coach Tom Coughin, a two-time Super Bowl champ, is reportedly another candidate for the Bills gig.
WGR 550’s Sal Capaccio told Ryan and I Tuesday he believes Lynn has the insider’s advantage.
“I believe Tom Coughlin is on a short list of candidates, but I still think Anthony Lynn has the advantage,” Capaccio said. “I think the timing of Ryan’s firing gives Lynn a chance to get his feet wet Sunday (on road vs. Jets).”
Coughlin, in my opinion, has a couple disadvantages. For starters, he’ll inherent a disarrayed team with numerous questions in all three phases. He’s also in his early seventies, meaning he’ll probably retire in just a few years. The organization would be back to where it is now.
Coughlin, with all due respect, isn’t the best candidate available.
Saints coach Sean Payton and Pats OC Josh McDaniels are reportedly two other possible candidates this offseason.
Payton has struggled recently in New Orleans. His decision to mask the Saints defense’s problems for years has recently come to light with Drew Brees’s inconsistency offensively.
Not a good fit, honestly.
McDaniels has focused solely on offense throughout his career even during his time as Denver’s head coach. He’ll have a better chance as the Rams’ new coach.
So far, Lynn is ahead…
More to come this week.