Ten obstacles to Buffalo 'hooking the big fish'
by MattRichWarren on Nov 27, 2009 12:45 PM EST
in Opinion
45 comments
I continue to hear national sportswriters and local newsmen pontificate about the challenges the Buffalo Bills must overcome in order to lure Mike Shanahan, Bill Cowher, or any of the other big name coaches out there to the Ralph Wilson Stadium sidelines. It's time to put all the rumors and truths down on paper in pixels to discuss them one by one:
1. Ralph Wilson is cheap
With reports that Ralph Wilson is now willing to spend up to $10M to hook the proverbial big tuna in his quest for the next Bills coach, you would think that this obstacle might be in the rearview mirror. Not so. If Wilson is going to cut back on player spending in order to pay the new coach such a high figure, the Bills will be treading water instead of moving forward.
2. The weather
Quick: Name the first thing you think of when you think of Buffalo. If you live anywhere other than in the city or surrounding communities, chances are your first thought is feet-high snow drifts on the Weather Channel when a big storm hits in January. Like it or not, people around the country think Buffalo is constantly covered in snow from October to April (or longer). They also think it's colder than deep space in the 716 area code. It's late November and still in the 50s here, people!
Since Jim Kelly retired, the Bills have tried a myriad of methods to obtain the next great franchise quarterback. (For further proof, check out twoeightnine's most recent T-shirt design.) It's hard to win without solid quarterback play in the NFL, and these coaches know it. If they are coming out of retirement, they will be expected to win ASAP - and to do that, they'll need a good QB. Looking at Buffalo's roster, I have my doubts they see that quarterback on the roster now.
4. Ralph Wilson is a meddlesome owner
This one annoys me. Sure, Ralph might call you and check in during the football week. It's his millions on the line, after all. But you can't tell me an owner like Dan Snyder, Jerry Jones, or about 25 or so others don't talk to their coach on at least a weekly basis to see how things are going. You have to deal with your boss, guys. Do what you're supposed to do and it shouldn't be a problem.
5. There's nothing to do in Buffalo
We hear this one a lot with free agents. We have to overpay them simply to put up with spending half their year in Buffalo. I've never had a problem finding something to do in Buffalo. I hear Dave and Buster's is a blast. There are bars, nightclubs, the arts and everything else that a big city has. It's just, ya know, a little different.
6. The Bills need a major rebuild
Really? Three Bills losses were by less than one score. On top of that, they were down by only a field goal to the Saints when the fourth quarter started, led the Texans at the start of the fourth, and were tied with the Titans at the start of the fourth. If there is enough talent on the team to hang with the big boys for three quarters, there's enough to win those games with the right game plan and coaching. (If those games are wins for the Bills, they are 9-1, by the way.)
7. Buffalo isn't high profile
You're not going to get endorsements as a player on the Bills, but do coaches really need that? You're going to be the center of the sports world in Buffalo. That should feed the ego pretty nicely. Not only that, you would get major publicity just for being in Buffalo - and if you somehow turned the team around, you would be deified in western New York and on ESPN. Just look at what T.O. did when he signed. He didn't even have to do anything.
8. The division is too hard
You face the Patriots twice a year. Thus ends the discussion of the big, bad AFC East. The Dolphins and Jets are both in their own process of rebuilding with inexperienced quarterbacks. It's not like they have a Hall of Fame coach and a Hall of Fame QB. Every division is going to have tough games and tough teams to play. This is the lamest of the lame excuses.
9. The fans
One of the franchise's best selling points is the loyalty of the fan base. That loyalty is a double-edged sword, however. Just this year, a Bills player had his lawn vandalized after making an on-field mistake, while another player's house was broken into during a game. A group of fans erected a billboard to get the coach and front office members fired.
10. Ralph Wilson (and the team's) long term viability
To me, this is the most damning reason for a big-name coach to stay away. You don't know if your boss is going to live to see the end of your contract. You don't know if you will get along with the new owner(s). You don't know if the team will move when it's sold. It's like college recruiting. Jim Tressell has an easier time recruiting right now at Ohio State than Charlie Weis does at Notre Dame simply because the high school players know Tressell is going to stay at OSU for a while, whereas Weis is going to be done at the end of the year.
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Awesome Article !!!
Let’s just hope Shanahan feels the same way !!!
BILLS RULE !
by chaosthepitbull on Nov 27, 2009 12:52 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Rather an average coach with good players than a good coach with average players
and you get there with an excellent front office lead by an excellent GM. Please spend the money building an excellent organization, not on a retread coach. There is not enough money to have it all ways.
by jpheff on Nov 27, 2009 1:00 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
good article MRW
"you just have to know there's always going to be adversity. None of these games are going to be easy. Nothing will be given to us" - Paul Posluszny
by poz on Nov 27, 2009 1:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Love the article
MRW….good piece….really sums up all the key points nicely. There are so many obstacles to overcome to get a big name coach here. But, all that said, it can be done. I just hope regardless, of what happens, we can get a proven leader in here, and that Ralph will let that guy have “total control.” The Bills have a decent roster, it needs work obviously, but with Edwards here for another year, drafting a QB and bringing in a proven veteran, and FA and the draft, the Bills aren’t light years from contending. They are not devoid of talent. With the ultra-talented defensive backfield, youthful WR corps, Shawn Nelson, Wood./Levitre/Hang/Butler/Bell, and 2 solid backs, this team has some solide building blocks. Now, it’s just a matter of developing an identity and system that works in Buffalo…and no better choice than a proven winner in Mike Shannahan. Please, Ralph and Russ make this happen!
MARVelous - "I went from America's team to North America's Team" Terrell Owens
by MARVelous on Nov 28, 2009 1:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
it really was a good article
you know I think an article is good when I respond only with “good article”. It means I got nothing to respond with. Sort of like in Old School when Will Ferrell blacks out and debates James Carville and Carville goes “we got no response. That was perfect”
"you just have to know there's always going to be adversity. None of these games are going to be easy. Nothing will be given to us" - Paul Posluszny
by poz on Nov 28, 2009 11:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What happened? I blacked out.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Nov 28, 2009 12:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
HAHHAHAHAAH
classic….
"you just have to know there's always going to be adversity. None of these games are going to be easy. Nothing will be given to us" - Paul Posluszny
by poz on Nov 28, 2009 1:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Good write up
I like 6 & 8. I really think this team has some serious talent. We’ve just had a horrible run of bad luck, much like the Bengals have been having for many years now. The defense is obviously very respectable, but with reasonable health, it is a very good defense.
The offense?— I believe 100%, that if Derek Schouman was around and . . . McIntyre, Edwards would be having a decent year. Anyway, that’s all water under the bridge or even totally evaporated by now.
9. I agree that the Patriots can be a deterrent. On the other hand, there is a script for how to beat the Patriots. We executed it on the first game of the season. Also, the Pats are on the downside of greatness. Jets seem to be treading water—so much potential but not all coming together. The Dolphins play hard but it you can match them effort for effort and execute with your skill players they are beatable.
I think we may yet attract a big name coach who decides to spend the next few weeks analyzing the roster. They may be excited by what they see.
by Ono on Nov 27, 2009 1:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
The defense is obviously very respectable, but with reasonable health, it is a very good defense.
It’s obviously very respectable? Bottom 10 in yards allowed, bottom half in points allowed, worst in yards per rush is obviously very respectable? I don’t deny that we’ve been hurt by injuries, but this was a good defense when healthy? I dunno, I’m not sure I buy that.
The offense?— I believe 100%, that if Derek Schouman was around and . . . McIntyre, Edwards would be having a decent year
Really?
Good article Matt, but I think #6. is wrong. They need a new D-line, new Linebackers, a new quarterback, new offensive line, and after this year we’ll even need another WR. That’s a serious rebuild.
Jonathan Stupar won the Heisman…while playing in the NFL!
by JPH on Nov 27, 2009 2:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They have been in every game but one in the 4th with this roster. You can disagree but this is a team that could have won those games.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Nov 27, 2009 2:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I understand why you believe they could've won those games
But at some point we need to confront the fact that they never do win those games. I always felt like whenever Roscoe touched the ball on offense he was one broken tackle from making a big play, but he never broke that tackle. I need to accept that Roscoe just wasn’t a threat on offense, and I think the same can be said of our chances of winning these close games.
Good teams win those games, bad teams lose them. It wasn’t luck that lost those games, we’re bad.
Jonathan Stupar won the Heisman…while playing in the NFL!
by JPH on Nov 27, 2009 3:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What I am saying is that a good coach may have been the difference between this roster winning a losing those games. These players were capable of winning but didn’t. Perhaps with different leadership they could.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Nov 27, 2009 4:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Totally Totally Agree
We have a great deal of talent on this roster.
Adding a legit QB wins a couple of those close games.
Adding a legit LT helps that QB.
Just those two personnel moves and this team isn’t in the hole it’s in right now.
Unfortunately, QB’s and LT’s are two in-demand positions that are hard to come by at times.
by Der Jaeger on Nov 27, 2009 3:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Bills got "some" talent...
1)If you ask me, QB and LT are pretty big holes to fill. Which is why these 2 positions are drafted most in the top 10.
2)Even if we won those games which MRW mentioned about, but against what teams are we talking about? I get NE and NO, but beating Titans and Browns doesn’t make the Bills a good team. Even if you put in Texans and Dolphins (which the Bills weren’t even close in that game), those are all .500 and below teams. The fact that the Bills lose a great deal of games to sub .500 teams seem to indicate they are more bad than good.
I don’t think anyone can blame a coach for every loss. A really good coach might be able to make this Bills team a .500 team, but in my opinion talent is still missing to make this into a good team.
Bills fan half way around the world
by moncheri on Nov 28, 2009 1:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think I said your first point
Unfortunately, QB’s and LT’s are two in-demand positions that are hard to come by at times.
The Bills lose games because the offense can’t sustain itself and the defense wears out by the 4th quarter. That was the exact case against NO (10-0), Houston (.500 team that’s competing for the playoffs), Tennesse (resurgent and competing for the playoffs), Jacksonville (playoff contention).
We’ve only beaten one truly terrible team (Tampa Bay). We’ve lost to only one truly terrible team (Cleveland). The Jets, Dolphins and Panthers are .500 type teams, all going to finish somewhere around 8-8.
by Der Jaeger on Nov 28, 2009 4:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What the hell does Corey McIntyre have to do with any part of a productive offense?
by twoeightnine on Nov 27, 2009 3:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I say a cool play
in the Jets game where they bootlegged out to the left and it was mcIntyre out in front and short toss got us a a first down or something like that. And it looked like AVP was looking for ways to us him and beef up the security blanket type plays. I think if he stayed healthy we might have seen a few plays go his way.
Also, this is conjecture, but when the FB is not a factor, it changes the number of formation options and affects our run game. I’m a strong believer in a FB. If the FB can’t be ignored offensively and is a decent blocker then you can chew up some yardage. (I suppose we could chart all Bills plays and see the results with FB in or out or something like that.)
Anyway, I think Edwards struggles have to do with the lack of short yardage security blanket options. The great teams always had those great TE, pass catching FB, and pass catching RB options.
by Ono on Nov 27, 2009 3:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Edwards's struggles have more to do with his inability to throw the ball to anyone besides his security blanket options.
I understand what you’re saying, but I don’t think the reason the offense is bad is because they haven’t gotten McIntyre his touches.
Jonathan Stupar won the Heisman…while playing in the NFL!
by JPH on Nov 27, 2009 3:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Is that an actual t-shirt or just a design? Cuz I want me one of them.
Nice write-up MRW. I think a lot of what you said probably stands true in players’ and coaches’ minds, even if they aren’t necessarily true in real life, which is unfortunate.
by nickfeely8 on Nov 27, 2009 1:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
It's a shirt.
http://twoeightnine.spreadshirt.com/franchise-quarterbacks-buffalo-I10201176
Buy 2 or more of any shirts for the next couple of days and use the code CYBER9 for 25% off your total order.
by twoeightnine on Nov 27, 2009 2:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You’re welcome. :-)
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Nov 27, 2009 2:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
haha
order’s placed.
got this one and the Jim, Thurman, Bruce, Andre one.
You need to get some commission or something, haha.
by nickfeely8 on Nov 27, 2009 10:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What is that style shirt from originally, the ampersand list? It seems familiar, but I can’t recall where i’ve seen it.
Twitter: helping to make anti-social people anti-socially social.
by TheAfghanTwilight on Nov 28, 2009 8:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Great article Matt.
1. Ralph Wilson is cheap
I’ve been trying to dispute that for quite some time now. I never ever would have guessed that he was willing to spend the 10 mil per year that he said he would, but between players, coaches and front office people, Ralph’s been around the middle of the league in spending for awhile now.
2. The weather
It’s funny how people believe that Buffalo spends all winter buried in snow. We’re not the coldest or snowiest NFL city, but we might be the windiest. I think the weather makes it tougher to find a QB than a head coach.
3. Quarterback
This one is valid. Edwards is a mess, Fitz doesn’t have the ability necessary and while Brohm is an interesting X factor, he can’t be relied on for anything. Lucky for Buffalo, most coaches like to go out and find their own QB and the other teams looking for head coaches aren’t in better shape at the position than the Bills are.
4. Ralph Wilson is a meddlesome owner
Ralph Meddles some, but so does every other owner. I think it’s an overrated factor too.
5. There’s nothing to do in Buffalo
Whether or not that is true is irrelevant. I don’t think a coach cares about it at all.
6. The Bills need a major rebuild
I disagree here and think that the Bills really do need a big rebuild. I don’t think Buffalo has much more to build around than the Browns or Raiders do. I think the roster is in pretty bad shape and the biggest reason why some other teams will be more desirable jobs.
7. Buffalo isn’t high profile
It’s true, but I think a handful of coaches might actually care about that. I’d guess a huge majority would actually prefer a low profile job and city like Buffalo to a major market like NY.
8. The division is too hard
This would be valid if the Browns and Redskins weren’t in tougher divisions. The Raiders might be in an easier division, but who wants to coach the Raiders?
9. The fans
We are a dedicated and loyal bunch.
10. Ralph Wilson (and the team’s) long term viability
I’d guess this is a bit of a concern for coaches, but most guys live in the moment. I think it’s built into a coach’s DNA to focus on the task at hand and not worry about what might happen a few years down the road.
I signed up for Second Life about a year ago. Back then my life was so great that I literally wanted a second one. In my Second Life I was also a paper salesman and I was also named Dwight. Absolutely everything was the same. Except I could fly. - Dwight Schrute
by kaisertown on Nov 27, 2009 1:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I disagree that we have little to build apon
If Dick did one think he left us with something of a Defense
Whitner and Byrd will be a good combo
McCoverage is young and athletic just need more time to develop
Poz will continue to get better and could use some help on his flanks.
Stroud is good for a year or two more and Williams is a stud..Even Spencer and Mcargo have improved
We all knew the O-line was gunna take time and injuries completely killed any chance of that improving over the year but the potential is still there.
Add a head coach and maybe a dash of a qualified signal caller and we might have something.
"Hold ya chin up...nuh nuh nuh...gone" -Marshawn Lynch-
by billsoferie on Nov 27, 2009 2:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nicely done
- is a big one.Can the old dog learn a new trick? The ones he has in his bag now, ain’t cuttin’ it. As you aptly stated, reallocating dollars from one problem area to another will leave the same problems.
Let’s hope the old dog has it in him to learn (and do) something different.
by fansince60 on Nov 27, 2009 2:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Here comes the cold and snow.
It’s late November and still in the 50s here, people!
Now you’re screwed.
by jj24 on Nov 27, 2009 2:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
It’s in the low 40s now. Cole front moved in with some rain.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Nov 27, 2009 2:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Say goodbye to the sun.
“See you next year, Mr. Sun. BYE!!!”
by jj24 on Nov 27, 2009 3:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No. 10 -- We don't have a legitimate GM
Not having a GM wouldn’t bother Cowher and Shanahan — they would prefer not to have one — but that’s the best reason not to hire them. For any other coach the fact that we have no real leadership in the organization and no experienced hand overseeing personnel would (or should) be a major turnoff, especially given factor #9 which makes the organization even less stable. This can of course be rectified by hiring a first-rate GM first. Let’s hope and pray that happens.
by Macktruck on Nov 27, 2009 2:53 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
The weather in the stadium itself is probably nearly the worst league-wide.
2010 Bills' truth in advertising: "Look out Cleveland, this year we score 6!" - bluecollarbuffalo
by thefourwinds on Nov 27, 2009 4:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Buffalo weather
One of the things I get upset about and have from being a kid in the 40s is that the people bow their head in shame about our weather, Why do we do that? We have weather that Aspen has to manufacture. We have great hunting and fishing , We have skiing and all kind of outdoor sports. And yes we have Chicken wings. We should show more pride in Buffalo and then maybe others would to
by crazyoldman on Nov 27, 2009 4:57 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I am on board with you on this. Just giving the national perception.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Nov 27, 2009 6:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
To each their own
There are lots of people who wouldn’t care to live in Buffalo, and I wouldn’t care to live in Florida or Arizona. As you say, there’s nothing to be ashamed of in living where we prefer. What a great country we live in, where we have a great variety of climates from which to choose!
On the other hand, sitting in sleet or freezing rain at the Ralph is not everybody’s cup of tea.
by Gino Parilli on Nov 27, 2009 7:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They forgot Billy joe Hubert on the t-shirt
"This is what happens Larry!, This is what happens! "-Walter Sobchak
by BigEasyBillsKrewe on Nov 28, 2009 1:10 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
member that one? He addmitted to never reading the play book after a new england loss.
"This is what happens Larry!, This is what happens! "-Walter Sobchak
by BigEasyBillsKrewe on Nov 28, 2009 1:12 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
He came in when the starter got knocked out.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Nov 28, 2009 9:19 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice article
A good read with a lot of good points.
Schmucks don't make it to the Pro Bowl... except Jason Peters!
by Run Thurmal Run! on Nov 28, 2009 4:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Crazy idea
What about Charlie Weis?
He might get fired soon, and therefore will be available
He did wonders with the Patriot’s offense, leading them to Super Bowls.
He knows the Pat’s offense, or should know some stuff, so that should help.
He’ll likely be cheaper than Shanahan.
He also has never been an NFL head coach, so why not take the bait?
I doubt this will happen, but what would you think of the idea of him running the Bills?
by JMP on Nov 29, 2009 12:42 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I would hate the idea as would lots of Bills fans. He’s been unsuccessful as a head coach and playcaller so I wouldn’t want him here in that capacity.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Nov 29, 2009 8:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
NO
he had winning seasons with Ty’s players and tanked when he played with his own recruits. Yuck.
"you just have to know there's always going to be adversity. None of these games are going to be easy. Nothing will be given to us" - Paul Posluszny
by poz on Nov 29, 2009 12:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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