SYRACUSE -- Doug Marrone, who just last week led the SU Football Team to a Pinstripe Bowl victory, has been hired by the Buffalo Bills as their new head coach according to both ESPN and NFL.com. Marrone replaces Chan Gailey who was fired following his third straight failed season.
The Buffalo News' Jerry Sullivan reported via Twitter that Bills CEO Russ Brandon confirmed to him with a text that the Bills have agreed to a deal with Doug Marrone in principle. Sullivan says that Brandon called Marrone "dynamic".
The news was first reported in Sunday morning by ESPN and NFL.com.
Marrone replaces Chan Gailey who was fired following his third straight failed season.
NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport was one of the first to report the hire on Sunday morning, and NFL analysts were soon to weigh in on the move.
"I think that's a great hire," said NFL Network analyst Brian Billick, "He brings that pedigree that's kind of popular now, a substantial pro background with that mix of college.
Of course, Marrone came to the Orange from the NFL three years ago where he was the offensive coordinator with the New Orleans Saints.
Marrone was also the offensive line coach for the New York Jets from 2002-2005.
USAToday has also confirmed that Marrone is headed to the Bills, but the source spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal hasn't been signed and announced.
Marrone would be leaving Syracuse with a 25-25 overall record, including an 8-5 record this past season. Syracuse beat West Virginia to win the Pinstripe Bowl and tied for the Big East Conference championship with a 5-2 conference record.
Syracuse University has not confirmed that Coach Marrone will be leaving the program. Calls to the S.U. athletics department Sunday morning have not yet been returned.
