13 months ago
Buffalo Bills owner, Ralph Wilson has decided to keep Dick Jauron on as head coach of the football team.
Wilson met with top executives on Tuesday in Detroit to discuss Jauron's future.
The Bills released the following statement from Ralph Wilson, commenting on the decision:
"It is well known that I share many of the fans' dissatisfaction with our offensive game management. That being said, I believe that this team, at this time, is better served by continuity in the coaching staff rather than a disruptive overhaul. The team played hard all year long and there are many positives to build on. This is not to say that we will be complacent. In my discussions with Dick and our senior football people the issues are recognized and I am confident they
"I believe in the last few years we have gotten close personnel wise and look forward to another strong draft, more assertive veteran leadership and continued improvement from our young quarterback."
Bills owner Ralph C. Wilson called Channel 2 Sports Director Ed Kilgore late Tuesday afternoon following his press release that the Bills will retain Dick Jauron as head coach.
"I hope its for the best of the team...we hope to improve the team", Wilson said, adding "it wasn't that tough a decision for me at all, it was for everybody else!" , which was followed by a big chuckle.
Wilson confirmed to Kilgore that Jauron has, indeed, signed a new contract extension, but Wilson said he'd rather not get into the specifics of earlier reports it is a three year deal.
As for any assistant coaching changes, Wilson said "I really don't think that will happen, and if it does, that's totally up to Dick".
How about front office or scouting staff changes? "Naw, I don't think we'll be making any changes there either", Wilson said.
When I asked Wilson if he felt disgruntled fans who felt Jauron should be fired might not renew season tickets, he just laughed and said "they're losing season tickets all over the league, and it's mostly the economy". In other words, his decision to retain Jauron isn't really based on the bottom line.
Wilson also said, when I asked him how he's doing, "I'm hanging in there pretty good for an old guy", and he did say he's happy to have the decision about Jauron out of the way so that everybody in the organization can move forward.
Jauron has finished 7-9 in three straight seasons with Buffalo and failed to make the playoffs this year after a 5-1 start. Wilson has yet to confirm whether Jauron signed a three-year contract extension earlier this season.
