Buffalo Bills: Brandon Beane emerges as favorite in GM search

The Buffalo Bills have been connected to four possible general managers, but only one has scored a second interview — Brandon Beane.

As it stands right now, Brandon Beane looks to be the front runner to becoming the Buffalo Bills‘ new general manager. The team fired Doug Whaley on April 30th, just a day after the NFL draft.

Whaley spent seven years with the Buffalo Bills, but couldn’t find a way to bring the team to the playoffs during his tenure. Now, the Bills are searching for the next heir to the 17-year playoff drought.

It will be the Pegulas first time hiring a general manager, so we’ll see how it goes.

So far, the team has held four interviews (three candidates) and have been connected to one other candidate. Brandon Beane, Trey Brown and Brian Gutekunst have all been interviewed — Beane twice — and Bob Gaine has also been rumored as an interest point.

Beane’s second interview was reported on Monday by Adam Schefter. He is the only candidate thus far to receive another one and with the history he has with Sean McDermott, he will be the front runner in the Bills’ GM search.

Looks like a favorite has emerged: Panthers asst GM Brandon Beane is headed back to Buffalo for second GM interview with Bills, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 8, 2017

Although that doesn’t mean he will get the job, it means he’s the closest to doing so.

Beane has spent the past two years as the Carolina Panthers’ assistant GM. In total, he has been with the team for 19 years and is highly regarded by their owner and current GM — in addition to likely being the next man in line for the GM position in Carolina. With that being said, he could reach that title a lot quicker with Buffalo.

Beane does have a short history as a GM, being named the Panthers’ interim GM in 2012. Under his control, the team went 6-4.

As for the other candidates, Gaine is the Director of Player Personnel for the Texans, Brown is the Eagles’ Director of College Scouting and Gutekunst is currently the Packers’ Director of Player Personnel.

Gutekunst was another report made by Ian Rapaport on Monday, making him the newest candidate for the vacant GM spot. He was a finalist for the 49ers’ GM vacancy in January, but ultimately decided to re-sign with Green Bay.

Trey Brown was recently featured in a Microsoft commercial and is the youngest candidate interviewed by the Buffalo Bills for this vacancy. At just 32 years old, he has only been in his current position for a year. He was also a scout for the Patriots form 2010-2013.

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Brown helped the Bills follow the Rooney Rule, which makes it mandatory for NFL teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching and front office positions.

Lastly, Gaine has been in the NFL for 18 years, spending just two of those in his current role with Houston. He was an early candidate, but we haven’t heard much of him since.

Ultimately, I like Brandon Beane thus far. He has built up quite a name in Carolina and is already familiar with Sean McDermott and some of the Bills’ newly signed free agents — like Philly Brown, Mike Tolbert and Leonard Johnson.

That chemistry and just the winning attitude that these guys posses is exactly what Buffalo needs. Not to mention, it’ll set the tone for the hiring of the Sabres’ new GM and could even see a positive impact on the ice, as well as field.

I’m sure the Buffalo Bills will hold several more interviews before making a decision, so stay tuned. One thing’s for sure, the Bills liked Beane enough for a second interview and that must mean something.

Next: Tyrod Taylor nearing two career milestones this season

Who do you like so far in the Buffalo Bills‘ search for a GM? Leave your thoughts below!

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