T0mShane Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Buffalo tension boils over in shouting match for Marrone, Bills officials Jason La Canfora / CBS Sports NFL Insider September 05, 2014 10:01 AM Doug Marrone is set to begin his second season as Bills coach after going 6-10 in 2013. (USATSI) Tension between Bills coach Doug Marrone and the team's front office spilled over recently in a loud verbal altercation on the practice field between the head coach and several team officials, according to numerous sources with knowledge of the situation, punctuating what had been a tumultuous preseason for the franchise as it awaits word on new ownership. The Bills, currently for sale after the passing of founding owner Ralph Wilson with formal bids due by mid-September, made news in the preseason when Marrone, who can be combustible, erupted publicly after two straight days of explosive training camp fights. Issues between the coach and the media have come to the fore as well, with him now using public relations officials to address injuries during his news conferences. Behind the scenes, things have been festering as well, sources said, with the blow-up between team officials shortly before the end of the preseason and final cuts, within earshot of players, shocking many who witnessed it. The incident began with Marrone, who sources said has had a strained relationship with director of player personnel Jim Monos from their time together in New Orleans, getting into a loud exchange with Monos in which the men were cursing at each other to the point where others noticed ("they were more or less MFing each other," is how one source put it). General manager Doug Whaley then intervened. The expletives continued and finally team president and acting owner Russ Brandon tried to defuse the situation by getting involved in an attempt to get all parties to "shut up," as one source put it. But that too escalated into more yelling and hollering, with Brandon and Marrone ultimately separated by their peers and Marrone, in earshot of players, making remarks along the lines of "go ahead and fire me," before order was restored and the team took the field for practice. Arguments are not uncommon within NFL meeting rooms, and disagreements and debate can be healthy, but the nature of this episode -- not quarantined to a back room, and within the vicinity of players at practice -- struck several witnesses as highly unusual, as well as the fact it escalated from one official to the next. Marrone has also clashed with some players this offseason, most frequently linebacker Jerry Hughes, team sources said, and has made comments around the team which have drawn the ire of some players. Sources said Marrone has referred to himself as "Saint Doug" at times, referencing the fact that it takes two miracles to be canonized as a saint, and that he already pulled off one miracle by winning at Syracuse and alluding to the fact it would take another miracle to win in Buffalo. The front office has also bristled at how certain players are being used, sources said, believing that tackle Cyrus Kouandjio, this year's second-round pick, warranted more of a long look this simmer, unhappy that emerging receiver Robert Woods was benched at times and also at odds over guard Kraig Urbik, who the personnel side believes is a quality guard (he just received a contract extension a few years back) but who Marrone has soured on (the team explored trades for Urbik before roster cuts, league sources said). There is obvious uncertainty within the ranks as well about the future of the team, and how much change and transition is imminent with the club's sale likely finalized by the October NFL owner's meeting, and a new ownership team coming in (which generally leads to sweeping changes in short enough order). If Terry Pegula, owner of the Buffalo Sabres, has the winning bid -- and numerous league sources believe that's more or less a fait accompli --then it's less likely the franchise is overhauled right away, and could lead to fewer changes overall. Regardless, this is definitely a time when the entire organization is about to be more or less under review, a factor lost on no one there. Expectations have been ratcheted up that this won't be another 6-10 season following successive bold moves in the first round to select under-fire quarterback EJ Manuel and then to deal next year's first-round pick as part of a package to move up and land receiver Sammy Watkins in May. But Manuel's progress remains very much in doubt, Watkins was banged up in the preseason and the offensive line could be a major cause of concern as well for Marrone, a former offensive coordinator in New Orleans, who will be expected to get things going on that side of the ball. The Bills open their season Sunday against the Bears, and perhaps the series of events this summer will serve to bond them together. But there are also reasons for concern that some of these interpersonal dynamics will only end up leading to more issues through the season, particularly if the team struggles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeC36 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 #circus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
faba Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 As a Jet fan one thing you can almost count on is Bills being worse than us Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klecko73isGod Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 And the season hasn't even started yet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jettington Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Remember when the Bills were the "sexy pick" to finish second in the AFC east and compete for a WC spot? lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sperm Edwards Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Whether Marrone's decisions have been right or wrong, their higher-ups are totally in the wrong here. You have something to say to the guy (about who to play), you say it behind closed doors not in front of the team. And that's if it's said at all (anything more than being "suggested"). I'm sure this happens with a lot of teams, where the HC is at odds with his boss(es) over certain players. But if you don't like it then Marrone's right: fire him. If you want him to be the HC, and he's benching guys who he perceives to have been slacking off, you can't undermine him (let alone in front of the whole friggin team). That being said, this is delicious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kay_gee Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 #circus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jetsfan80 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Sources said Marrone has referred to himself as "Saint Doug" at times, referencing the fact that it takes two miracles to be canonized as a saint, and that he already pulled off one miracle by winning at Syracuse and alluding to the fact it would take another miracle to win in Buffalo. Wow. And people thought Rex was bad. At least he talks UP his players. This guy is just a condescending douchebag. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kay_gee Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 #circus ninja'd. dammit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slats Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Meanwhile, Rex, Idzik, and Woody enjoy group hugs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jetsfan80 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Remember when the Bills were the "sexy pick" to finish second in the AFC east and compete for a WC spot? lol That's every year. Every. Single. Season. Same with Miami. And it never, ever happens because both are clown shoes organizations. Even compared to us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jettington Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 I understand Buffalo is no NYC market, but this looks worse than ANYTHING that came out of the Jets during the 2011-2012 years where we were publicly butchered in the media and people seem to be ignoring this stuff in Buffalo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jolot Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Wow. And people thought Rex was bad. At least he talks UP his players. This guy is just a condescending douchebag. not to mention what exactly did he win at Syracuse ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big L Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 tl;dr, but maybe the Jets can finally sweep the Bills this year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jetlife33 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Clowns Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jolot Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 That's every year. Every. Single. Season. Same with Miami. And it never, ever happens because both are clown shoes organizations. Even compared to us.lol I was going to post this then I saw you did already...the bills have been everyone " surprise" sexy pick every year since Travis Henry and takeo spikes....it's like Groundhog Day every August Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LouisvilleSlugger25 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 From Rotoworld: CBS Sports reports coach Doug Marrone and Bills' team officials' tensions are starting to boil, and it recently led to an expletive-laden shouting match on the practice field. Marrone and director of player personnel Jim Monos got into a heated exchange this summer to the point where "they were more or less MFing each other." GM Doug Whaley intervened, followed by team president Russ Brandon, but the expletives continued to fly. Marrone allegedly even said "go ahead and fire me." Per the report, Marrone has been known to refer to himself as "Saint Doug" because of his "miracle" work at Syracuse. He's also frequently clashed with players, most notably stud DE Jerry Hughes. Bills brass is said to be "bristled" at how Marrone has used certain players. Marrone may have the hottest seat in the NFL. He has to be the odds-on favorite as the first coach to be fired this season.http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/jason-la-canfora/24695455/buffalo-tension-boils-over-in-shouting-match-for-marrone-bills-officials Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bitonti Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 fun fact their second round tackle is currently on the bench, behind their seventh round tackle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BroadwayJets Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Bills are sh*t. 4-12. If we don't sweep them this year I'll be disappointed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SouthernJet Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Ownership vacuum as well as Ralphs kids are trust fund brats who want nothing of team and just want to party 24/7 in caribbean etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JetsFanInDenver Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Bills and Brady's calf implodes. Couldn't think of a better way to start the season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jet Nut Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Rex got killed for talking up his players, his team and his coaches. Marrone is talking himself up, making himself a saint? Come on ESPN, here's your chance to talk sh1t now that Johnny football and Sam are non stories for a few weeks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hitman Harris Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 That's every year. Every. Single. Season. Same with Miami. And it never, ever happens because both are clown shoes organizations. Even compared to us. Was gonna say the same thing. Always the Bills and Dollfags all of the sudden gonna be good teams. LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hitman Harris Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Bills and Brady's calf implodes. Couldn't think of a better way to start the season. Sounds like Brady said he's gonna play. But he's clearly vulnerable. I wanna see him take some real beatings this year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PatsFanTX Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 That's every year. Every. Single. Season. Same with Miami. And it never, ever happens because both are clown shoes organizations. Even compared to us. If all that was all true, you'd think the Jets would sweep the Bills and Phins every single year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BroadwayJets Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Rex got killed for talking up his players, his team and his coaches. Marrone is talking himself up, making himself a saint? Come on ESPN, here's your chance to talk sh1t now that Johnny football and Sam are non stories for a few weeks MICHAEL SAM IS EVERYTHING THAT IS NEWS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jet Nut Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 MICHAEL SAM IS EVERYTHING THAT IS NEWS Why not interested in the only one of 700 cuts that ESPN felt needed coverage around the clock for some unknown reason? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoicsentry Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 I understand Buffalo is no NYC market, but this looks worse than ANYTHING that came out of the Jets during the 2011-2012 years where we were publicly butchered in the media and people seem to be ignoring this stuff in Buffalo. You're right, it does.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoicsentry Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 MICHAEL SAM IS EVERYTHING THAT IS NEWS Um... you forgot forcing the Redskins to change their name. Also, Ray Rice Ray Rice Ray Rice Ray Rice Ray Rice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RutgersJetFan Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 I'd feel bad for the Bills, but there was a bunch of Bills fans that used to troll the sh*t out of the boards when they had Evans and Losman, like they were on the verge of a dynasty, so **** em. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
faba Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Bon Jovi to save them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Latinlawyer Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Sounds like Brady said he's gonna play. But he's clearly vulnerable. I wanna see him take some real beatings this year. Did I miss something? Brady is hurt? Oh man, if that is the case...we have a shot! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jetmech Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Trading next years first rd. pick for a WR is bad enough but to do it when your team is bad was just dumb. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bleedin Green Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Whether Marrone's decisions have been right or wrong, their higher-ups are totally in the wrong here. You have something to say to the guy (about who to play), you say it behind closed doors not in front of the team. And that's if it's said at all (anything more than being "suggested"). I'm sure this happens with a lot of teams, where the HC is at odds with his boss(es) over certain players. But if you don't like it then Marrone's right: fire him. If you want him to be the HC, and he's benching guys who he perceives to have been slacking off, you can't undermine him (let alone in front of the whole friggin team). That being said, this is delicious. The thing that's even more funny about all of this is you figure, even if the front office wanted to be up Marrone's ass about how he was running the team, the one area you'd give the guy some leeway would be, of all places, the friggin' offensive line. With that said, it doesn't sound like there's anyone who is particularly right in all of this, as they all come across like enormous douche bags. The front office should absolutely keep their mouths shut until they are behind closed doors, but on the other hand, that really has nothing to do with his players thinking the guy is an ass hat. If nothing else, no matter how much of a sh*t show this season does or doesn't turn out to be for the Jets, we should at least all get to bask in the glory of the Bills' miseries. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sperm Edwards Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 The thing that's even more funny about all of this is you figure, even if the front office wanted to be up Marrone's ass about how he was running the team, the one area you'd give the guy some leeway would be, of all places, the friggin' offensive line. With that said, it doesn't sound like there's anyone who is particularly right in all of this, as they all come across like enormous douche bags. The front office should absolutely keep their mouths shut until they are behind closed doors, but on the other hand, that really has nothing to do with his players thinking the guy is an ass hat. If nothing else, no matter how much of a sh*t show this season does or doesn't turn out to be for the Jets, we should at least all get to bask in the glory of the Bills' miseries. You can't have the team president or GM or similar yelling MF stuff at the HC in front of the team. You just can't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.