BUFFALO, N.Y. — Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson interviewed for the Buffalo Bills’ head-coaching job Wednesday. And former New York Jets coach Rex Ryan is on deck.
A person familiar with the Bills’ search process revealed those two candidates — among a number of others — to The Associated Press on Wednesday. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the Bills have not announced any details of their search to replace Doug Marrone, who stepped down abruptly last week.
There are at least 10 candidates on the list. Bills defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz already has been interviewed, as was Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Pat Shurmer, the person said.
A second person familiar with the process, and also speaking on the condition of anonymity, told The AP that the Bills were granted permission from the Browns to interview Cleveland offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. He is the son of two-time Super Bowl-winning coach Mike Shanahan, who also is a candidate after being interviewed by the Bills in San Francisco last weekend.
The Bills already met with three assistant coaches currently working for teams still in the playoffs: Seattle Seahawks coordinators Darrell Bevell (offense) and Dan Quinn (defense), and Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase. Coaches on playoff teams cannot be hired until their seasons end.
The Bills also interviewed San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator Frank Reich.
The Bills are taking an exhaustive, wide-reaching approach to the search under new owners Terry and Kim Pegula, who bought the franchise in October. Both Pegulas are sitting in on the interviews, along with general manager Doug Whaley and team president Russ Brandon.
Separately, a third person familiar with the decision told The AP that former general manager Buddy Nix and veteran scouts David G. Smith and David W. Smith will not return. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the Bills have not announced the moves.
Nix held the role of special assistant since stepping down as GM in May 2013. The Smiths had a combined 58 years of NFL experience, and each held the title of scout emeritus.
Thumbnail photo via Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY Sports Images
