May 14, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; A general view of a Buffalo Bills helmet used during organized team activities at Bills Healthy Zone Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Basically as the 2nd most memorable offseason in consecutive years continues fans should have a lot of optimism going into the future. The Bills officially announced Doug Whaley as the new GM of the organization. Whaley I believe has the knowledge and the background to get this team moving in the right direction. As with this move the Bills front office now becomes the youngest in the NFL.

As every organization moves along with their coaches, players, schemes and all-around mentality, changes take place and new things are implemented. This usually takes place with age, teams going in different directions and player decisions. From watching this team over the years I think it just plugged in guys to fill a role and never really put a lot of thought into the result.

A great example of that was when this team hired Buddy Nix as the teams GM. He I believe was not the right guy for the job and I think it just was a waste of time. His first real big job was to bring in a head coach and Chan Gailey was the guy. He had experience in the league and some thought he would be able to help this team. Nearing his 60’s I think that could have hurt him a bit. The way this game has evolved and differed from his philosophy I think showed in what he was able to produce on the field. Sticking to a game plan and not changing it until next weeks practice, not straying away from old school beliefs and also in my eyes not changing with the times. With a nearly 66 year old average in age I think they were stuck in the past and it sure showed. I’m not saying they were all bad but watching other teams and seeing what they’re putting into their game the Bills definitely lacked in that category.

Usually when the changes occur it’s over time coming from either the front office down on to the players. The transition to new players and schemes are definitely needed and could take time to get acclimated with their new club. The Bills on the other hand have had plenty of changes and have come in a very short period. These I believe have given the fan base a better hope and vision in how this organization wants to move forward. Some changes just to give you an idea: Ralph Wilson to Russ Brandon, Buddy Nix to Doug Whaley, Chan Gailey to Doug Marrone, Dave Wannstedt to Mike Pettine, Nick Barnett to Nigel Bradham/Kiko Alonso, Fred Jackson to CJ Spiller (in time) and Terrence McGee to Stephon Gilmore. I know there is more but I wanted to show you in short time how change is coming to this team.

I know the change is for the better but I just hope it’s done correctly and this team can get back to its winning ways. The season will be the start to this team getting changes other teams have had for some years now. Going to be interesting.

Sep 23, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Buffalo Bills fans celebrate during the fourth quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Buffalo defeats the Cleveland Browns 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Let it be known that if you are a diehard Bills fan you are not the type to leave and come back whenever things are going good. We stand behind our team through good times and bad. Although we have been through a lot of bad times lately times are definitely changing. This offseason has so far been one that fans will look back at and say I’m glad the Bills finally started to realize changes were needed.

There are a numbers of changes and positives but I will start with the new lease agreement. Many were wondering when a new agreement would come and last December the Buffalo Bills, Erie County, and New York State came to that agreement. The agreement ended up being a 10 year lease and a 130 million dollar package for renovating Ralph Wilson Stadium. The money breakdown as is follows: the Bills will pay $35 million, NYS $54 million and Erie County will cover $ 41 million over the life of the agreement. I believe this was vital for the club in Buffalo and also fixing up the Ralph.

The next change this organization made was within its coaching staff. After last season Chan Gailey was given his walking papers and the new search was on for a head coach. After multiple interviews and reports on different candidates the Bills decided to go with former Syracuse Orangeman coach Doug Marrone. Marrone did a pretty good job with the Orange and the Bills thought he could bring his message and mindset to this organization. This won’t be his first time in the league as he coached with the Jets and the Saints but is the first time he will be a head coach. What I’m looking forward to seeing is his up tempo paced game and bringing something more to this offense that seemed to be stale in years passed. Also with the new defensive coordinator in place Mike Pettine I am pleased to see that new changes are starting to take shape. In the NFL changes need to take place instantly and not wait until the following week. Hopefully he can get this group working hard and causing problems for opposing offenses.

Lastly I think the Bills have been drafting pretty good over the last few years but finally have pin pointed in their eyes a franchise quarterback. In years past many wondered how come they never even tried to acquire one. EJ Manuel selected in the 1st round of this past draft showed to me that they were very high on him. Buddy Nix basically never taking a QB with the exception of one takes one in the first round. That tells me he was desperate or really thought he was their guy. For now looking at stats and what he can bring to the game I’ll say he will hopefully be their guy for years to come. Also let’s not forget about the defense. Players that were selected by Nix recently that will be starters and great contributors are: Stephon Gilmore, Marcell Dareus and Nigel Bradham.

I’m sure there are more positives that have and will happen but being a Bills fan sure has a different feeling going into this season. I can’t wait for the rest of the offseason to move along and eventually get us to week 1. Diehards, casuals and new Bills fans what do you think? I think the team will be exiting and one to definitely keep an eye on this season.