Bill Polian Declines Buffalo Bills Offer
Bill Polian Declines Buffalo Bills Offer
Sep 15, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills former general manager Bill Polian at halftime during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Bill Polian has informed the Buffalo Bills that he will remain as an analyst for ESPN and not take over as the Bills President.
According to Chris Mortensen of ESPN, Bills owner Terry Pegula had reached out to Polian in an advisory capacity that eventually led to further discussions, but a formal offer was never made.
Prior to today’s official announcement, Polian was adamant that reports of him returning to Buffalo were false, saying that he enjoyed his current lifestyle.
However, many believe that situation changed when quarterback Kyle Orton retired and head coach Doug Marrone opted out of his contract. Vic Carruci of The Buffalo News gave a brief glimpse into why Polian declined the Bills’ offer earlier today on his Twitter account.
Polian said he spoke w Terry Pegula over holidays about a mentoring/advisory role. Things changed w Orton's retirement & Marrone's leaving.
— Vic Carucci (@viccarucci) January 1, 2015
Polian said job changed to a "real heavy lift. Hire new coach, hire staff, etc., etc."
— Vic Carucci (@viccarucci) January 1, 2015
Polian: "It would have required a really long commitment to a new coach who deserved a long commitment that I wasn't prepared to make."
— Vic Carucci (@viccarucci) January 1, 2015
Polian: "Because of the circumstances that had changed so dramatically required a commitment I wasn't prepared to make." He's 72.
— Vic Carucci (@viccarucci) January 1, 2015
Whether the coaching change or his age was the main motive behind him declining the job offer, one thing is very clear at this point – the Bills organization has internal issues.
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From Orton’s sudden retirement, to Marrone abruptly opting out of his contract, there is clearly a disconnect within the organization.
As for Polian, the former architect of a Bills team that went to four Super Bowls will be one of two finalists for induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame when voting takes place at the end of this month. He has a strong case for induction as he is the only six-time recipient of the NFL Executive of the Year Award, and has helped lead three different franchises (Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts) to the playoffs.