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Bills Seeking Coach, May Hire New Personnel Exec After Polian Turns Pegula Down

The Bills "have begun the process of finding their next coach," and GM Doug Whaley, "seemingly on the verge of having his role marginalized had former GM Bill Polian returned, is organizing the search," according to Tim Graham of the BUFFALO NEWS. Bills Owner Terry Pegula "will handle the interviews along with co-owner Kim Pegula, team President Russ Brandon and Whaley." A source said that the next head coach "will report directly to Terry Pegula, bringing into question Whaley’s status." Another source said that execs from late Owner Ralph Wilson’s regime -- "eager to maintain their power -- badmouthed Polian in Marrone’s presence during the season," and after Marrone "exercised his exit clause Wednesday, he told Polian what he’d heard." The source added that Polian "relayed that information while informing Terry Pegula on Thursday of his decision to remain an ESPN analyst." Whaley shortly after Polian's announcement "flew to see Terry Pegula and formulate a strategy for the coaching search" (BUFFALO NEWS, 1/3). CBSSPORTS.com's Jason La Canfora reported Pegula "remains hopeful of finding someone" to fill the role turned down by Polian, while "focusing in the short term on finding a new head coach." Sources said that Pegula summoned Brandon and Whaley "to his Florida winter home this week" after the talks with Polian broke down "to begin the coaching search." But the sources add that Pegula "still believes he needs an accomplished football man to oversee the operations" (CBSSPORTS.com, 1/4).

DIDN'T FIT THE BILL: In Buffalo, Vic Carucci reported Polian "turned down a chance to return to the team to oversee its football operations." Polian said that he had spoken with Pegula during the holidays "about returning to the club in a 'mentoring-advisory' role on the assumption" that Marrone "would still be the head coach" and QB Kyle Orton, who retired last week, would be on the roster. Polian: "The job, from my perspective, changed. It went from a mentoring and advising role, which would have been fun, to a real heavy lift -- hire a new coach, hire a staff, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. The bottom line is the job description changed pretty dramatically." He added that overhauling the Bills "meant something longer than three years, which was the extent that he would have been willing to commit" (BUFFALO NEWS, 1/2). ESPN.com's Mike Rodak noted the possible addition of Polian "cast some doubt on the future" of both Brandon and Whaley. The pursuit of Polian "makes it clear that Pegula was looking to tweak, at the very least, the current structure of the front office" (ESPN.com, 1/2). In Rochester, Sal Maiorana wrote Whaley "would love to keep going" with the Bills, but he "may fall victim to a restructuring at the top" (ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE, 1/4).

EXIT WIDE RIGHT: The BUFFALO NEWS' Graham noted Marrone last Wednesday "exercised an exit clause in his contract and became a coaching free agent" after two seasons with the Bills. Marrone made the move before his "three-day window to opt out expired at midnight." A source confirmed that Marrone "still will pocket" his $4M salary for '15. The money "was guaranteed and due in addition to any salary he makes from his next employer" (BUFFALO NEWS, 1/1). In Buffalo, Bucky Gleason wrote trouble "had been brewing" between Marrone and Bills management "for some time along One Bills Drive, and it was only going to get worse." Marrone's contract structure "practically invited a power move." He had $4M "waiting for him if he left the organization for any reason." His relationship with Whaley "had fallen apart," and his "attempt to gain more control over personnel was worth the gamble." Marrone "clearly didn’t like the vibe he was getting from the Pegulas, and the feeling was mutual" (BUFFALO NEWS, 1/2). The DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE's Maiorana wrote of Marrone's departure, "How did this happen? Simple: Greed, insecurity and thin skin." Marrone "took the money and ran," then he "apparently spit on the organization on the way out the door" (ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE, 1/2). In Buffalo, Jerry Sullivan wrote there is "blood in the water and the Pegulas are in over their heads." There is "utter chaos at One Bills Drive and no telling what they’ll do to repair the damage." Marrone "felt an outsized sense of power," as well as "disdain for Whaley, and for many of the characters left over from the Ralph Wilson days." Pegula "called Marrone's bluff" (BUFFALO NEWS, 1/4).

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