Doug Marrone is set to try to turn around an NFL team after improving a college program down the road.
Marrone reached an agreement yesterday to become the Bills’ new coach, three people familiar with the negotiations told the Associated Press. One person said the sides were still putting the finishing touches on the contract for Marrone to sign.
The people spoke on the condition of anonymity because there has not been an official announcement.
Marrone will replace Chan Gailey, who was fired Dec. 31, a day after the Bills closed their second consecutive season with a 6-10 record and extended the NFL’s longest active playoff drought to 13 seasons. The 48-year-old Marrone, who is from The Bronx, went 25-25 in four seasons at Syracuse.
BROWNS:
Chip Kelly decided to remain head coach at Oregon, so the Browns will consider some of the candidates they’ve already met with or maybe begin a second wave of interviews. Owner Jimmy Haslam and CEO Joe Banner spent most of last week in Arizona and are known to have spoken to former Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt and Cardinals defensive coordinator Ray Horton.
The Browns aren’t confirming any of their interviews or commenting on any candidates.
Haslam could still make a run at Alabama coach Nick Saban following tonight’s BCS title game.
EAGLES: The coaching search to replace Andy Reid went to Denver, where the Eagles interviewed Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy yesterday after a lengthy meeting with Kelly a night earlier in Arizona.
BEARS: A person familiar with the situation said the Bears met with McCoy in Denver to discuss their coaching vacancy. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the confidential nature of the search.
CARDINALS: Arizona expects to speak in the coming week with Jay Gruden about their vacant head coaching position. The team confirmed plans to interview the Bengals offensive coordinator, younger brother of former Oakland and Tampa Bay head coach Jon Gruden.