The Buffalo Bills are without a coach on New Year’s Day after Doug Marrone decided to part ways with the team on Wednesday.
Because of the situation surrounding the ownership of the Bills when he was hired, Marrone had a clause in his contract that allowed him to opt out within three days of season’s end if there was a change in ownership while he was head coach. That, of course, happened when the purchase of the Bills by Terry and Kim Pegula was made official in October. With the opportunity to test the waters in front of him, Marrone chose to take advantage of the situation.
Once the news surfaced, many Bills players reacted about how you would expect considering they had not been informed beforehand of Marrone’s decision. Among them were offensive lineman Eric Wood, linebacker Preston Brown, wide receiver Chris Hogan, and running back C.J. Spiller.
Wow… That caught me off guard for sure
— Eric Wood (@EWood70) December 31, 2014
Wow. That's crazy
— Preston Brown (@PB_Number2) December 31, 2014
New Years got a little interesting with that news…….
— Chris Hogan (@ChrisHogs) January 1, 2015
How quickly things can change just had a team meeting Monday and wasn't given a heads up, but guess that's how this business works
— Cj Spiller (@CJSPILLER) December 31, 2014
Safety Aaron Williams had one of the stronger reactions, but was determined to not let it get in the way of enjoying his New Year’s Eve.
Lost all respect!! Completely pissed off, but not gonna let it ruin my New Years #Deuces #CantWait
— Aaron Williams (@ajwilliams23) December 31, 2014
Marrone was once an offensive line coach for the Jets and has been rumored as a potential replacement for Rex Ryan. Whatever avenue Marrone chooses, he will still receive the $4 million from Buffalo he was scheduled to make in 2015 in addition to the salary from his new team. Bills players may not have been in favor of the decision, but Doug Marrone should make out pretty well given the circumstances.
