Bills coach Chan Gailey announced at today’s season-ending press conference that he has fired defensive coordinator George Edwards and will replace him by promoting assistant head coach/linebackers coach Dave Wannstedt to the coordinator job.
This was Wannstedt’s first year on the Bills’ staff, following six seasons as head coach at the University of Pittsburgh. He’s previously been the head coach of the Dolphins and Bears, as well as defensive coordinator of the Dolphins and Cowboys. He has generally been well respected as a coordinator but less than well respected as a head coach.
Edwards had been the Bills’ defensive coordinator for the last two years. Gailey added that he is currently evaluating the rest of his staff.
Gailey also addressed the Bills’ personnel, including receiver Stevie Johnson, who was benched on Sunday after picking up a celebration penalty following a touchdown catch. Gailey said he’s open to re-signing Johnson, who will be a free agent, but that he would want to make sure he and Johnson are on the same page. And Gailey defended quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who has been criticized because his play declined after he signed a lucrative contract extension during the season. Gailey said he believes that as the team improves, Fitzpatrick’s play will improve.
