As seven NFL teams look for new coaches, several of 2012’s head coaches are expected to jump to new teams after being fired Monday.
Common sense says that would be Andy Reid, who went 130-93 in 14 seasons with the Eagles, or Lovie Smith, who was 81-63 in nine years with the Bears. Unless, of course, the team is the Bills. Then, apparently, it’s time to raid the cupboard of the 5-11 Cardinals, as Buffalo is reportedly pursuing defensive coordinator Ray Horton or former head coach Ken Whisenhunt, who went 45-51 in six seasons in Arizona.
Bills fans, who have watched a long line of coaches come through Buffalo in recent years, can’t be happy that the organization isn’t aiming at bigger names. Hiring Whisenhunt would also give Buffalo another offensive-minded coach in the top spot, while the Bills have been acquiring players to build up the team’s defense.
Members of the Bills’ front office, which includes new team president Russ Brandon, will fly to Arizona this week to meet with Horton and Whisenhunt, according to USA Today. Brandon is said to be keen on Whisenhunt to the point that he prefers him as Buffalo’s new head coach.
Brandon is taking over the team from owner Ralph Wilson, who gave him complete control over organizational decisions Monday. Buddy Nix is staying as general manager, although he may have a reduced role depending on how Brandon shakes up the personnel decision-making process.
The Bills have also asked for permission to interview Denver offensive coordinator Mike McCoy, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. They also may be interested in former Raiders head coach Hue Jackson, who is an assistant in Cincinnati this year, according to USA Today.
Smith is also reportedly interested in checking out the Bills’ job, although whether Buffalo has shown interest in him is still a question.
Whisenhunt appears to be the top choice, though — and he could come to the Bills a bit cheaper thanks to the $5.5 million remaining on his Arizona contract.
That’s what you want, after all. A coach you can get a bit cheaper.
