Bills

Offense

NFL.com’s Jason La Canfora had a similar report earlier in the week. Harbaugh is in the thick of recruiting season, so he can’t publicly express interest in NFL jobs. His name popped up in Raiders circles last season as well, before Al Davis ultimately decided to hold onto Tom Cable.

Lee’s biggest claim to fame in the NFL is introducing the Wildcat craze with the Dolphins back in 2008. Sporting News named him Innovator of the Year for his efforts. His hire is further evidence that the Bills will increase Brad Smith’s offensive role as a gadget player in 2012.

“I’ve made the decision to step away as GM because I feel it’s the right time,” Nix said in a statement. “Good young roster with excellent head coach and staff.” USA Today’s Mike Garofolo characterizes Nix as being “pushed away” despite the team promoting it as a voluntary move. Assistant GM Doug Whaley is widely expected to take Nix’s job. 73 years old, Nix was hired as a first-time GM in 2010, overseeing a team that’s gone 16-32 in three seasons.

The Bills have been grooming the former Steelers executive for the job since the end of last season. Nix says he’s stepping away because he "(feels) it’s the right time,” but USA Today’s Mike Garafolo has characterized the situation as Nix being forced out in favor of Whaley, who is over 30 years Nix’s junior. The Bills are remaking their organization at warp speed.

40-year-old Whaley was groomed for the job for the past three years, working as 73-year-old Buddy Nix’s right hand man. A safety and linebacker at the University of Pittsburgh, Whaley broke into the league as a Steelers scout in 1995 and came to Buffalo highly recommended by Kevin Colbert. With the Bills, Whaley is credited with acquiring RG Kraig Urbik and TE Scott Chandler off waivers, in addition to wielding a “heavy hand” in drafting Stephon Gilmore last year, and E.J. Manuel this year. He also played a leading role in the search committee that wound up hiring Doug Marrone. With a fresh-faced coaching staff, new GM, and franchise quarterback hopeful, things appear to be looking up in Buffalo.

However, GM Buddy Nix’s fate is apparently uncertain. Working in concert, Gailey and Nix have guided the Bills to a 15-31 record since taking over in 2010, and have had trouble finding viable assistant coaches. Nix has made it known he intends to find quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick’s successor this offseason, so whether or not owner Ralph Wilson trusts him to find one could play into his future. From his misuse of C.J. Spiller to blind faith in Fitzpatrick, Gailey will have worked hard to earn his walking papers if he’s indeed fired.

A former Bills assistant, Hackett spent the past two years as new coach Doug Marrone’s offensive coordinator at Syracuse. According to WGR 550 Buffalo’s Joe Buscaglia, the Bills “loved” Hackett during his time in Buffalo. Hackett is just 33 years old. Hackett and Marrone oversaw the Big East’s number one offense in 2012, and favor a balanced approach. Hackett’s hiring will further fuel speculation that Buffalo will target Orange signal caller Ryan Nassib in the draft.

“No, I will not call plays. But everything will go through me,” Marrone said at his introductory presser. “I will be on the headset and will be managing the game and those game management decisions which can affect play calling will be handled by me.” Marrone also said he’s seeking coordinators with “thorough” NFL experience. Marrone is expected to install a run-minded system, though GM Buddy Nix has allowed he has some interest in Marrone’s college QB Ryan Nassib. Nassib isn’t currently pegged as a first-round talent.

Marrone turned Syracuse’s football program around and has extensive NFL experience, having coordinated the Saints’ offense from 2006-2008 and overseen the Jets’ offensive line from 2002-2005. He’s also received strong recommendations from Bill Parcells, Mickey Loomis, and Sean Payton. In Buffalo, he’ll be faced with turning around an offense that has been in the Top 20 just once since 2004. The Bills also interviewed Oregon’s Chip Kelly on Friday and former Bears coach Lovie Smith on Saturday before ultimately agreeing to a deal with Marrone. We like the hire because Marrone is a run-minded offensive coach. The Bills have personnel ideally suited for a run-based offense.

Cabot also confirms that Marrone’s interview for the Browns’ head-coaching vacancy has already taken place. Marrone turned Syracuse’s football program around and has extensive NFL experience, having coordinated the Saints’ offense from 2006-2008 and overseen the Jets’ offensive line from 2002-2005. Although the extent of Buffalo’s interest in Marrone is unknown, he’s believed to be Cleveland’s primary fallback option behind Chip Kelly.