Marrone turning pro, leaves Syracuse for the Bills

Orchard Park, NY (Sports Network) - Doug Marrone turned around a floundering program at Syracuse University.

The Buffalo Bills are hopeful he is capable of improving a franchise that hasn't reached the playoffs in 13 seasons, the NFL's longest active drought.

Marrone was named head coach by the Bills on Monday.

The 48-year-old Bronx native replaces Chan Gailey, who was fired on New Year's Eve after going 16-32 over three seasons.

Marrone is viewed as a savior after bringing the Orange up from the depths of irrelevance. He compiled a 25-25 record in four seasons at his alma mater.

Syracuse earned a share of the 2012 Big East title and posted a 38-14 victory over West Virginia in the Pinstripe Bowl to finish with an 8-5 mark.

The Orange were 10-37 over a four-year period before Marrone took over the program.

Marrone has previously worked in the NFL, but not as a head coach. He served as Sean Payton's offensive coordinator in New Orleans from 2006-08 and was the New York Jets' offensive line coach from 2002-05.

The Sports Network