Rex heads upstate
The domino effect of coaches being hired in the NFL has started with the Buffalo Bills making the first move and hiring Rex Ryan. The former New York Jets coach is completing a deal that will pay him $5.5 million a year, ending the search for a team that interviewed about 12 coaches since Doug Marrone opted out of his contract before the end of 2014.
The Atlanta Falcons were also interested in hiring Ryan but their interest waned in the past week, so Ryan took it upon himself to go for the team that wanted him the most.
There were reports that Rex wanted to team up with former Chicago Bears coach Marc Trestman, but it looks like 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman will be headed to Buffalo to take over the same position. The two worked together as assistants in Baltimore with the Ravens in the past.
No change will be made at defensive coordinator, as Jim Schwartz will be keeping his position with the team. Ryan will inherit a defense which ranked 4th in the league last season in in the NFL in yards allowed. They were also 1st in sacks per attempt and allowed the least opponent QBR in the NFL. Although his philosophy is a little different than Schwartz, defense will seem to be the strong suit of the team.
Rex Ryan becomes to first coach since Bill Parcells in 1997 to switch teams in the same division.