For the fifth time in the last playoff-less decade, the Buffalo Bills are in search of a new head coach.
Bills' fans got their wish on Tuesday, as owner Ralph Wilson dismissed Dick Jauron, who had led the team since 2006 and posted a record of 24-33 during that time, with a 5-14 mark in his last 19 games.
While defensive coordinator Perry Fewell takes over in the interim, it remains to be seen who will take the reins as the next savior of football in Buffalo.
Let's take a look at some of the names that are sure to be thrown around between now and the end of the season.
Complete Resumes
Bill Cowher - The former Pittsburgh Steelers coach is the complete antithesis of Jauron. Cowher patrols the sidelines with a fiery disposition and would instantly change the culture around the team. It's been suggested that his interest lies in the Carolina Panthers job, if and when it becomes available.
Mike Shanahan - A proven winner, Shanahan would want full control of the Bills' personnel decisions, something Wilson might be hesitant to give to one person. ESPN is reporting that the Bills have already touched base with Shanahan to gauge his interest. Prior to that his name had been linked to Dallas, Oakland, and San Diego, assuming their current coaches come up short this season. It is important to note that it might be tough for Shanahan to maintain his trademark tan in the cold north.
Jon Gruden - Monday Night Football's new poster boy came out this week and expressed his desire to stay in the booth, but everyone knows to take a coach's word at face value (See: Nick Saban). Gruden has continued to speak kindly about every team that he covers on MNF, to prevent from burning any bridges that could lead him back into the coaching ranks. It would still be a shock to see Chucky end up running the show in Buffalo.
Mike Holmgren - Most recently Holmgren has been associated with the Cleveland Browns, with him possibly joining the club in a Bill Parcells' type role, overseeing operations. Holmgren has a record of winning wherever he goes, leading both Green Bay and Seattle to the Super Bowl, and capturing it with Green Bay, but he might already have dance partner for 2010.
CFL Contingent
Marc Trestman - The Montreal Alouettes' head coach has had his name mentioned as a potential candidate to succeed Tom Cable in Oakland, the team which Trestman served as offensive co-ordinator from 2002-2003. With Jauron being let go on Tuesday, Buffalo becomes the first job opening on the market, and one that would be hard for Trestman to pass up. With a win this week in the Eastern Final, he will have led the Als to the Grey Cup in both his seasons in the CFL. During his time in the NFL, there were questions over his ability to lead a football team, but his two years in Montreal have put those to rest. Much like Bills' Hall of Fame coach Marv Levy, Trestman could take the CFL route to his first NFL head coaching hire.
Co-ordinators On The Rise
Mike Nolan - It appears Nolan is still one of the premiere defensive co-ordinators in the game, showcasing his abilities this year in Denver by turning their woeful defence into a solid unit. His time as head coach in San Francisco didn't amount to any post-season success, but often it takes a second chance to get it right, a la Bill Belichick.
Leslie Frazier - Brett Favre is all the rage in Minnesota, but it's the Vikings defence that has been dominating for the last few seasons, prior to Brett's arrival. Frazier has been considered for head coaching gigs in the past, but remains on the cusp. The former Chicago Bears defensive back has spent time under the coaching trees of Andy Reid and Tony Dungy and seems poised to take charge of his own team in the near future.
The best of the rest includes Cardinals' offensive line coach Russ Grimm, Vikings' offensive co-ordinator Darrell Bevell, Dolphins' secondary coach Todd Bowles, Eagles' quarterback coach Pat Shurmur, and Cowboys' offensive co-ordinator Jason Garrett.
College Graduates
Urban Meyer - With two National Championships in the last three years for the Florida Gators, Meyer's name is bound to be mentioned among those who could make the jump to the pro game. There have been reports that the Jacksonville Jaguars may be interested in his services as a package deal with his current quarterback Tim Tebow, who is expected to be drafted in the first round of this year's NFL Draft. It's not crazy to think Meyer may be intrigued by a move to the NFL, but let's not forget the same was said about USC's Pete Carroll in year's past and he is still sitting comfortably in Southern California.
Mike Leach - Leach is viewed as one of the most creative offensive minds, not just in the NCAA, but all of football. He is already the all-time winningest coach in Texas Tech history and might be looking for his next challenge - kick-starting the Bills' offence would be just that. However unlikely as it might seem, it's important to note that Ralph Wilson is willing to try anything at this point, as evidenced by the signing of Terrell Owens.
Been There, Done That
Gregg Williams - Bills' fans remember Williams all too well, as the Jauron-esque coach who often chose to punt in opponent's territory in favour of a more aggressive approach. Williams has reestablished himself as top tier defensive co-ordinator leading the resurgence on defence in New Orleans and making the Saints a legitimate championship-caliber team. While he may get another opportunity to wear the head coach's headset, it won't be in Buffalo.
Mike Mularkey - The man who succeed Williams, now finds himself in a similar situation. Unable to break the mold in Buffalo, he has worked his way back onto the radar of team's considering a coaching change at the end of the year, after spending time as offensive co-ordinator of the Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons. That being said, he is not on Buffalo's radar.
Other candidates with an outside chance include former Saints' and Rams' head coach Jim Haslett, former Giants' head coach Jim Fassel, and local favourite University of Buffalo head coach Turner Gill.
Who do you think the Bills should hire as their new head coach in 2010 and beyond? Drop us a line (keep it between 25-200 words), include your name and city and maybe we'll post your answer. Send your email to NFL@tsn.ca. If you're the rapid reply type, hit the Your! Call button below.
I am scared of NCAA coaches in all of the major sports, it works out far less than in blows up. The issue with the Bills has to be the future and would one of those marquee coaches like Cowher or Holmgren want to take on such a risky job.
Chris
This franchise is stuck in the mud just like my car after parking on someone's lawn on Abbott Rd after a late december match. Its time they get past the aura of the Jim Kelly years and turn the page. It's time for a new era with a proven winner - Mike Shanahan. If Ralph Wilson goes the cheap route and hires Mike Nolan or some unproven wannabe, I'll be cancelling my season tix in the rock pile.
Sergio - Toronto, ON
Turner Gill would be my choice. Hands down!
Christina - Buffalo