Buffalo Bills: Approach to finding new GM wasn’t necessarily wrong

Bringing in Brandon Beane as the new general manager reinforces belief that Sean McDermott is calling the shots for the Buffalo Bills, but it might just work.

The Buffalo Bills finally got their man, after WGR 550‘s Sal Capaccio reported the hiring of Brandon Beane as their new General Manager. Or more to the point, Sean McDermott got his man, with all the talk about how he is now running the show at One Bills Drive.

In that respect, this has been some criticism about the direction the Bills have taken. Historically, it is usually the GM who calls the shots, which often includes hiring (and firing) head coaches.

However, after nearly two decades of playoff-free football in Western New York, maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea to take a different approach. Certainly, Terry and Kim Pegula have complete trust in McDermott, who won them over when the three met for the first time.

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Further, you have to imagine the relationship between McDermott and Beane is a sound one, fortified during six years working together in North Carolina. And really, that’s key for an organization which has experienced mostly unrest since their last playoff appearance during the 1999 season.

It’s also worth noting that while uncommon, this role reversal of sorts is nothing new. One high profile example which comes to mind, is when the Seahawks hired Pete Carroll, who then helped decide on John Schneider as GM.

As with this move by the Bills, there were serious questions about how the Seahawks had handled their affairs. At the time, Carroll had yet to earn the reputation he has today as a head coach at the NFL level, with skeptics also questioning how it would work, in terms of who had final say on any tough decisions.

Ultimately though, the results have been clear to see. The Seahawks are currently on a five-year run of making the playoff, advancing to at least the divisional round each season and making two Super Bowl appearances (with one win).

Of course, no one is suggesting the Bills will enjoy a similar run of success, but it can’t hurt to take a different approach. If nothing else, it will help to have the two men in charge working on a similar — if not the same — wavelength.

That in itself makes for a refreshing change. Everyone is well aware of Doug Whaley’s inability to get on with Doug Marrone or Rex Ryan. (Not that this should be held against Whaley.)

Ultimately, there is enough talent and potential on this Bills roster to compete for the playoffs. Now, we get to find out if the combination of McDermott and Beane can take this potential and talent, and turn around the fortunes of a once proud franchise.

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What’s your position on the Bills’ approach to finding their new GM? Further, what kind of success are you predicting for the McDermott-Beane combo? Share your thoughts in the comments section.