Bills' Levy Stepping Down as GM; Search for Successor Underway

by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 4:48 PM EST in Buffalo Bills News

Levy leaves after 2 years as Bills GM (BuffaloBills.com)

WIVB Channel 4 in Buffalo is reporting that Bills GM Marv Levy is stepping down after two years in that position. The 82-year-old Levy was responsible for the hiring of Dick Jauron as head coach and much of the roster turnover that has occurred over the past two seasons. From the report:

After internal discussions within the Bills organization, the mutual decision was made to let Marv step back into retirement after two years on the job. The long hours required for the position of General Manager were reportedly wearing on the 82 year old Levy, and the feeling was Marv had done what he needed to do.

Can't help but agree here. Levy has set up a solid foundation, and he's handing the reigns to Jauron - a steady, intelligent leader - for future seasons. My early guess - and yeah, it's just a guess - is that the Bills will look very seriously at promoting a new GM from within (Tom Modrak is the obvious choice) to maintain continuity and avoid a new GM making a coaching staff overhaul. That, to me, makes the most sense at this point.

This news isn't shocking, but it is unexpected. Measures must be taken immediately to ensure that Levy's departure doesn't toss the Bills directly into turmoil again. Thanks, Marv - you've brought stability to the front office, a vision to the franchise, and a roster full of never-say-die overachievers. May we hope your successor can fill your overlarge shoes and put the finishing touches on your roster.

I encourage you all to leave your thoughts on this news in the comments section.

Update [2007-12-30 20:16:59 by Brian Galliford]: According to the report from ESPN.com, Levy has been given the choice of whether or not to remain with the Bills as a consultant. We'll know in the next few days, as an official announcement is expected within that time period. If Levy does stay on as a consultant, it only re-affirms the feeling that the Bills will continue to build on their current nucleus by promoting a new GM from within and conserving a young, smart coaching staff.

Update [2007-12-30 21:26:33 by Brian Galliford]: Pro Football Talk has broken the initial Bills list for a potential Levy successor. That list includes: John Guy, Tom Modrak, former Titans GM Floyd Reese, former Redskins/Texans GM Charley Casserly, Chiefs VP of Player Personnel Bill Kuharich, and Patriots Director of College Scouting Tom Dimitroff. Vote Guy; if not, vote Dimitroff - we need some Patriots mojo here.

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I hope we start over

I'm not a huge fan of the direction we're going in and don't feel 'promoting from within' is going to help. I also doubt Modrak takes the GM job as I'm pretty sure he's turned it down before.

I don't think Jauron is the right coach for this team and I HATE the defensively philosophy. If the new GM is from outside the organization, we have to let him bring in his own coach.

the feeling was Marv had done what he needed to do

I'm curious as to what that means. We are younger, yes, but are nowhere near being a contender. I suppose we are heading in the right direction, but I don't think that's as certain as many think. I personally believe the D needs to be rebuilt with bigger plays. The O is closer because the OL is solid, but we need playmakers. And who knows if Edwards is the guy.

Ugh, still in the 10 year rut and probably falling flat on our faces again...

by Kurupt on Dec 30, 2007 5:52 PM EST reply actions

Disagree on every point

Except on the Modrak part - you're not the first person I've heard that rumor from. Still, he's got to be the top candidate at this point.

I'm not sold on Jauron or his philosophies as well, but I do know that scrapping what we've built at this point would just be another turn in a vicious cycle of idiocy this club has been in for a decade. For better or for worse, we absolutely must keep building upon the character-based foundation that Marv laid out. We can whine and complain about the coaches all we want - and we probably will - but trust me when I say that scrapping this project is not even close to the best plan of attack at this point.

Jauron stays. I really want Modrak to be the new GM. I really don't care who is hired as the O-Coordinator. And with the coaching staff/front office/scouting base we've already built, overhaul isn't the answer.

Darkhorse name for GM: Marc Ross, current head of scouting for the Giants and a former employee of the Bills.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 6:06 PM EST up reply actions

future

How can Modrak be the top candidate when he obviously hasn't wanted the position before? He doesn't even base his work out of Buffalo as he refuses to move there. There's no way this guy will be the GM. Also, do we really want him as GM? Are we that confident in the job he's done as Head of Scouting? I wouldn't be surprised if Modrak resigned amid Levy leaving. It just seems he's been on the brink of leaving a few times already. I've always thought he's had one foot out the door because of his desire to not move to Buffalo.

Many believe Jauron and his schemes aren't the answer, so why would we continue on with him? Is "continuity" that important when it appears we're going to be stuck in this rut of mediocrity for some time with Jauron? Wouldn't it be better to clean house now instead of next year? With a new GM, shouldn't it be his guys who are running things? I just don't want to continue with what we have just to keep things 'together'. If the new GM wants someone else, then let him do that. I just am not as confident in where this team is headed with the small defensive players...

I just want a GM and HC that will return us to the playoffs..........

by Kurupt on Dec 30, 2007 8:21 PM EST up reply actions

My take

I agree about Modrak. I like him doing what he is doing, but not really as the GM. I wouldn't mind John Guy, who is the current Director of Pro Personnel taking it over. Don't really know about any other internal candidates, but, at this point, I agree with Brian about the continuity. The franchises that Buffalo is unfortunately, but rightly, grouped with over the past decade are Arizona, Cleveland, Miami, Detroit and a few other great organizations like that. All of which change coaches, GMs, QBs, etc. every couple years and haven't made the playoffs in forever. I don't know for sure if Jauron is "the answer", but he is not bad. If he was just terrible and the players wouldn't play hard for him, then I would agree with clean house. But at this point, while he might not be a superstar, he obviously has this group of young guns playing hard and respecting him. So, I think we need to stick and not make the same mistake of pulling the plug and thinking the grass is going to be greener. Greener grass thinking made us get rid of Phillips and hire Williams and then Mularkey.

But, I really am disappointed the Levy is bailing out after just 2 years. I knew he wouldn't do the job for a long time, but I was hoping to get at least 3 years and, most importantly, 3 drafts out of him. Hopefully he will stay around the organization as a consultant or whatever and have some continued input, especially into choosing the new GM.

by fletcherjd on Dec 30, 2007 8:41 PM EST up reply actions

Answers to your questions

I'll address them one by one:

How can Modrak be the top candidate when he obviously hasn't wanted the position before?

Scratch my wording - replace "top" with "most obvious". I obviously can't claim that he's the top candidate, but to me, he makes the most sense.

Also, do we really want him as GM? Are we that confident in the job he's done as Head of Scouting?

Personally, yes and yes. Modrak has been directly responsible for every good player on the roster, as he's been in his current role since the Donahoe era began in 2001. No, the team isn't ultra-talented, but he's found some real gems (Terrence McGee being the obvious choice) and some building blocks (Lynch).

Many believe Jauron and his schemes aren't the answer, so why would we continue on with him?

Two reasons: one, the owner - and more importantly, his players and coaching peers - love the guy. Two, there are also many who believe that Jauron and his schemes are the answer; I'm among that group.

Is "continuity" that important when it appears we're going to be stuck in this rut of mediocrity for some time with Jauron? Wouldn't it be better to clean house now instead of next year?

Yes, continuity is indeed that important. If we were to clean house now, we would hire a new GM/coach, be in the same exact position we're in now (i.e. new schemes being implemented with young talent, still trying to build) and talking about replacing those guys. Good teams have continuity. We finally have a coaching staff that should stick around; so let's stick with them.

I understand your "this year instead of next year" argument, but you're removing any possibility of the Bills actually getting better next year. That's a mistake: how can you not expect them to get better with $30 million in cap room and 10 draft picks?

With a new GM, shouldn't it be his guys who are running things?

Yes, absolutely. Which is why we should hire from within - then Jauron and that promoted individual would already be on the same page, making the transition a smooth one. We don't need any more of the overhaul cycle, so hiring outside of the organization - unless they specifically indicate they're sticking with Jauron (who has been in this situation before with Angelo/CHI) - doesn't make any sense.

I just want a GM and HC that will return us to the playoffs..........

Right there with ya, man. This is getting old.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 8:55 PM EST up reply actions

Hey Brian

I appreciate the candid response.

I see what you are saying and agree with some of your comments.

I may have been a bit harsh on Modrak. I don't think we've done a good job of drafting players who go on to become 'superstars', but that's not all on him. We seem to draft players with a ceiling whom we know what we will likely get out of them. Modrak obviously has some misses and we all know the biggest one (hint: calling him a lardass would be kind), but he has helped bring in some good midround players. I just don't think he's been good enough to be considered for GM, nor do I expect he'll want the job.

Two reasons: one, the owner - and more importantly, his players and coaching peers - love the guy. Two, there are also many who believe that Jauron and his schemes are the answer; I'm among that group.

Okay, maybe I don't mean his schemes as much as his philosophies. I suppose the Cover 2 could be an effective D for us, though I don't agree with it based on late season conditions where smashmouth/size is better than speed. Plus, I don't think we have anywhere near the right personnel in place to be effective defensively. But my major gripe with Jauron is his overly conservative gameplans where he refuses to do anything that isn't predictable. Today's game was a great indicator of that. Why, oh why, did we not throw it more, run off tackle and outside more, etc? I know Fairchild called the plays, but they run through Dick and he did nothing to change this crap. And today, why did we not go for it on a couple 4th and shorts, why did we run on 3rd and goal from the 9? Jauron allows this and seems to stress this conservatism. This is why we can beat the dregs of the league, but can rarely compete with the better teams. I just feel he'll continue keeping our head above water, but will never really lead us completely out of the water.

Yes, continuity is indeed that important. If we were to clean house now, we would hire a new GM/coach, be in the same exact position we're in now (i.e. new schemes being implemented with young talent, still trying to build) and talking about replacing those guys. Good teams have continuity. We finally have a coaching staff that should stick around; so let's stick with them.

OK, I agree continuity has it's plusses, obviously, BUT in our case we aren't exactly a playoff team or one with superior talent. What exactly would we be disrupting other than a mediocre team with average talent? I don't really think a new defensive scheme would be that problematic. The personnel we have out there now isn't exactly excelling in the Cover 2. In fact, I think they would be better in a more traditional 4-3 D. Schobel/Kelsay/Denney/Hargrove aren't good enough pass rusher for the Cover 2 where the zone coverage is helped when the QB is consistently pressured. Those guys seem like they wouldn't lose any effectiveness (if there is any) if we scrap the C2. We need an upgrade at LB as it is with Crowell and Poz being the only players who should start. They would also be fine in a more traditional 4-3. I don't think either is cut out for the C2 as much as they are for other D's. The CB's are better in man coverage, yet we run very little of it. The only players who I think may not fit a new D are the DT's. McCargo would be fine next to a big space-eater, but I think Tripplett and Williams would continue to get devoured, like they currently do. I'd much rather switch to a D where bigger DT's are needed that can keep the blockers off our LB's.

Offensively, where else can we go but up? I wish we'd quit running the zone blocking schemes and start utilizing the size and strength of our OL.

I don't see how a new staff with different schemes would be such a problem. We'd need big DT's, but the other needs remain the same: OLB, pass rusher, CB, WR, TE, C. Maybe I'm in the minority here, but I don't see how making a change would be that problematic. It's not like we're having much success with what we're using now (please don't use the injury excuse anyone).

I'm just sick of seeing these puny defenders get run over and shredded through the air. The scheme just doesn't fit most of the players we have out there. We need more talent as it is. I'm just afraid that keeping Jauron and Co. will keep us mediocre and unable to stop the run/play smashmouth football.

by Kurupt on Dec 31, 2007 2:13 AM EST up reply actions

Fear not

I see what you're getting at about the schemes, and I don't necessarily disagree with all of it. My view is that while it's fairly obvious that both sets of schemes have their weaknesses, they also kept the Bills in a lot of games. The defense got shredded, yes, but if we had any sort of offense at all, we'd also have beaten Denver, Dallas, Cleveland, Philadelphia - heck, we could almost throw Pittsburgh and Jacksonville in there, as the D limited the score for a good portion of those games and kept the O alive.

I have the same fears about Jauron as you do - that he may have a ceiling as far as how far he can take the Bills. Maybe he's not the guy to restore this team to glory; I do believe, however, that he's done a fantastic job of coaching up an extremely young roster. These guys believe in him and his schemes. He's been successful enough with subpar talent to this point that he, at an absolute bare minimum, deserves two more seasons to see if he can continue to develop these guys. Get an offense that can put up - is 20 ppg too pipe dream? - , add a piece or two on defense, and the Bills could win 10 games next year.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 31, 2007 7:21 AM EST up reply actions

Continuity

I'm a huge believer in continuity. I think the best example comes from basketball when the Houston Rockets won their first of back to back championships. The second championship team had Olajuwon and Drexler (my all time favorite), but the first champrionship team was interesting. That first team had Vernon Maxwell, Kenny Smith, Otis Thorpe, rookie Sam Cassell, I think Matt Boulard (sp?), first or second year guy Robert Horry and of course Hakeem. It was not a super talented team by any stretch, but it was well put together and each players skill set fit into what they did.

But the key thing was that either four of the starting five or all starting five had played together as starters for about 3 or four years and that's what differentiated them.

Another basketball example that comes to mind is the San Antonio spurs. This is not the most talented team in the league, but their strength is continuity at all levels, which means they can elevate team play. And the success of team play at its best is that it utilizes individual strengths and covers up weaknesses.

In fact, New England is an example of this. This is not the most talented group of individuals to ever grace a football field, but is probably the best team ever, in the true sense of the word "team."

I love DJ, I love Edwards, I love Lynch, Schoebel, Kelsay, etc. I think the Bills are where they want to be. Beginning of season predictions had them at 7-9 or worse and they met those expectations but with 3rd and 4th stringers. There is a ton of upside with this team and if they focus on being a team they can accomplish even greater things.

One last thing. I think we could have said of Joe Torres, what has been said about DJ. His coaching as shown signs of success, but hasn't lit it up yet and all he needs is the right circumstance to let him shine. I think we can provide it for him in Buffalo. I agree, I think he needs at least two more non-lame duck seasons.

by Onoekeh on Dec 31, 2007 12:29 PM EST up reply actions

Unexpected...

Levy's work as a GM has to be graded as incomplete due to his stay being just two seasons. I do, however, believe this team is closer than it was following the 2005 season for whatever that's worth. While I'd love to see Jauron replaced for the simple reason that his ultra-conservative, passive style of managing a game borders on lunacy, I think the mistakes of the past (changing coaches every 3 years or so for a decade) will make it a necessary evil that Jauron stays on board. One thing is clear however, following the 2007 season: Trent Edwards has not done enough to be handed the starting QB position heading into 2008. Edwards started 9 games for the Bills and the offense only scored touchdowns in 4 of them. That's absolutely amazing. Edwards has led the team to 9 offensive touchdowns in 9 games started. Take away the Dolphins win at home, and Edwards has led the offense to 5 offensive touchdowns in the other 8 games he's started. Whoever takes over for Levy needs to quit trying to sell a desparate fan base this Edwards kool-aid; he's obviously not ready to be an NFL starter. Someone needs to be brought in to compete for the job and that's the first priority of this offseason.

Nick (Bensalem, PA)

by Nick BensalemPA on Dec 30, 2007 6:31 PM EST reply actions

If we bring in a vet QB...

Not to get off-topic, because I'd like this discussion centered around the GM, but your point about Edwards is spot on. If the Bills elect to open it up to a competition not involving Losman, I'd love for that veteran to be Chad Pennington. He and Edwards are practically clones of each other in terms of their preferred style of play. If Pennington beat out Edwards, Trent would have the perfect tutor to watch; vice versa, we have a backup QB we most certainly can win games with.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 6:39 PM EST up reply actions

Why Jauron stays no matter what

Because Ralph Wilson loves Jauron:

"I'm very, very impressed with Dick Jauron," Wilson said in a phone interview with The Associated Press late Wednesday. "And I've never seen a team with so many injuries -- we signed guys off the street who were playing the next weekend -- compete the way they have. It's amazing."

Source

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 7:32 PM EST reply actions

I'm sorry

but I am shocked right now. I know Marv is old and probably wasn't going to be around long (on the job I mean) but two years is really short. If Modrak doesn't want the job, the team will be thrown back into turmoil. A new GM will want to put HIS stamp on the team whether through free agency or the draft. After a somewhat promising season, this is potentially terrible. It is very taxing to be a Bills fan.

by RabidBuffalo on Dec 30, 2007 8:16 PM EST reply actions

Modrak

isn't the only in-house option. John Guy, the team's current Director of Pro Personnel, would be a strong choice as well. Modrak is currently the Director of College Scouting; I mention his name first because he's had GM experience with the Eagles.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 8:23 PM EST up reply actions

I thought Modrak

was going to take over when TD was fired but it seemed as if Modrak took a step back. I'm sure the big names will be flying like Schottenheimer, Cowher, Pioli. But as much as control as Ralph tends to show, if he likes Jauron then that will be a stipulation that the new GM will have to follow. That could make it hard to find someone from outside.

I am starting to believe there could be something big going on here, i.e. the Bills have communicated with someone already hence Marv stepping down.

I don't know, I am rambling here trying to pour my thoughts out on the screen to try and get an idea of what is going on. I am just in shock right now.

by RabidBuffalo on Dec 30, 2007 8:38 PM EST up reply actions

Modrak

In the past, Modrak has turned down the job because of his preference to work out of Jacksonville, FL where he lives. My guess is he still won't take the job and could even end up leaving the organization altogether if he's uncomfortable with the situation once a new GM is hired. I'm guessing that Levy and Wilson knew that Levy's stay would be short when he was hired and trust that some sort of contingency plan is already in place.

Nick (Bensalem, PA)

by Nick BensalemPA on Dec 30, 2007 8:43 PM EST up reply actions

That, sir

is the exact assumption I'm working under (the contingency plan idea).

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 8:58 PM EST up reply actions

John Guy

I like him and mentioned him as well. So either I am getting up to your level or you are dropping down to mine...I will let you decide which. :-)

by fletcherjd on Dec 30, 2007 8:45 PM EST up reply actions

Does it matter?

With individuals as amazingly intelligent as the two of us, it doesn't matter which way we're going - we're still right. :)

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 8:57 PM EST up reply actions

profootballtalk.com post

http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm

POSTED 9:03 p.m. EST, December 30, 2007

BILLS PUTTING LIST TOGETHER

As word spreads that Bills G.M. Marv Levy is stepping aside, a league source tells us that the Bills already are compiling a list of potential successors.

Inside the organization, the candidates are director of pro scouting John Guy and assistant G.M. Tom Modrak. It's believed, however, that Modrak won't want the job, because he doesn't want to move from New Jersey to Buffalo.

Outside the building, the names that have surfaced are former Titans G.M. Floyd Reese, Chiefs V.P. of player personnel Bill Kuharich, former Texans and Redskins G.M. Charley Casserly, and Patriots director of college scouting Tom Dimitroff.

by fletcherjd on Dec 30, 2007 9:17 PM EST reply actions

Beat me to it

Thanks, fletch. This is a good list - I'm not particularly high on Casserly, but Kuharich is an interesting name, Reese is even more interesting, and Dimitroff is most interesting yet.

Still on the Guy/Modrak bandwagon.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 9:20 PM EST up reply actions

Yep

I would say Guy, Modrak, Dimitroff, Reese then Kuharich. Like you, not that high on Casserly.

by fletcherjd on Dec 30, 2007 9:25 PM EST up reply actions

Same

Except I'd switch Dimitroff and Modrak, given the speculation (coming first from our very own Kurupt) that Modrak won't want the job.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 9:28 PM EST up reply actions

True

I wasn't even going to mention Modrak for that reason, but I figured, if for some reason he would take it, keep it in the organzation. But, you are right. Dimitroff is, as you pointed out, extremely interesting.

by fletcherjd on Dec 30, 2007 9:40 PM EST up reply actions

The next GM

Please, God NO Casserly. The guy's only good draft was his last one in Houston. He's also the moron who thought David Carr was a good idea.

If Floyd Reese's appearances on ESPN as a bumbling idiot indicate in any way his acumen as a GM, then please pass on him too.

I know nothing of the others. Maybe the Pats guy would be interesting due to his time spent with them. Who knows how much input he truly has though.

by Kurupt on Dec 31, 2007 2:19 AM EST up reply actions

Updated

UPDATE: We're told that Bills V.P. of football administration Jim Overdorf is another in-house candidate for the job.

by fletcherjd on Dec 31, 2007 1:12 AM EST up reply actions

Thanks

for the update. Where did you hear that? I'd like to link it.

At least we're not St. Louis - PFT is reporting that the 3-13 Rams are seriously looking at hiring a new GM themselves. A guy by the name of Donahoe.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 31, 2007 7:24 AM EST up reply actions

Upset?......Yes.........

Dissapointed?........No! He did what he had to and I'm alright with moving on as long as it doesn't mean a total rehaul, which everyone agrees with right? Of course I dont want to see marv leave but he is 82 and isnt getting any younger. Another page turner in the 2000s for the Bills, and I'm not sure if its a good/bad turn.

Do you BILLieve?

by NYTXFAN on Dec 30, 2007 9:41 PM EST reply actions

I wrote this in another diary,

I really want marv to stay for this years draft,
we could really use his knowledge for the draft for at least one more year.

We, imo, are one more good draft away from building a good playoff team for years to come.

Do you BILLieve?

by NYTXFAN on Dec 30, 2007 9:46 PM EST reply actions

Consultant

As it says in the main article, Levy has reportedly been given the option to stay on board as a consultant. Obviously, if he does so, he might have some influence in the draft this year.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 9:55 PM EST up reply actions

stupid....

It is all about consistency. We don't have it. Sure Levy had two good drafts and got some nice talent in there. but, it is worth nothing if his game plan and philosophies are not continued to be implemented. I just don't see how change at this point is good? It is not. At the end of the day, I see more turmoil and frustration in the organization as Wilson's death approaches than any happy days.

Be prepared for an offseason of change, and disgust again.

MARVelous

by MARVelous on Dec 30, 2007 10:40 PM EST reply actions

Not that gloom and doom

Really, did we expect a 10-year stay from Levy when he signed on two years ago? I certainly didn't; given the timing of this announcement, it seems pretty obvious that the Bills are already taking major steps toward filling this position ASAP. The change very likely will be minimal as far as the front office and coaching staff goes; the only changes that should be made are in player personnel.

Chin up, Marv. You may need a new screen name, but things aren't bleak in Buffalo. :)

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 30, 2007 10:53 PM EST up reply actions