Oct 7, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; Buffalo Bills coach Chan Gailey watches on the sidelines during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Bills 45-3. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE
It was bound to happen. After two embarrassing losses the Bills now sit at 2-3, and many are questioning the coaching staff. It is much more difficult to make the case that the team doesn’t have the talent after all the money poured into the defensive line. However the team has given up over 200 yards rushing two weeks in a row. What gives?
Gailey now has a record of 12 and 25 as head coach of the Bills, not the most impressive numbers. Now in year three, the roster is mostly his own. The benefits of a new coaching staff should be taking affect. In the end, they aren’t.
Gailey’s playcalling isn’t being questioned as much this week, more his marriage to quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. The further into Gailey’s tenure as head coach the more apparent it is that he will live and die with Fitzpatrick. This is concerning due to the play of the Amish Rifle since signing his new contract.
Gailey said this week that they had no incredible problem at the quarterback position. He also stated that he did not meet with defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt after giving up a record amount of points in the second half to New England two weeks ago. Raising any red flags?
The blame could be placed on Wannstedt for the preformances, or Buddy Nix for the roster that he has put together. When it comes down to it, Gailey’s job should not be secure. His record is incredibly lackluster, his teams aren’t living up to their supposed potential, and his staff seems to be behind the times.
Will Gailey come under fire? Likely not. This franchise has gotten used to mediocrity. Another ok season isn’t the end of the world. But when does it come time were the team actually makes legitimate progress? When will this team make that next step? His record as a coach would not be tolerated many other places around the NFL. We are in a time where coaches get little time to prove themselves. Its a “what have you done for me lately” business. The Bills don’t seem to follow that plan, or at least they are just a little bit slower than the rest.
Even if Gailey is under pressure, the expectations of a predecessor shouldn’t be too high. Who would the replacement be? Another who fits in among the recent Buffalo Bills coaches.