So, Dick Jauron is gone. And Perry Fewell looks like a fine pick to replace him in the interim.
How the Bills organization moves on beyond 2009 is now the pressing concern of the local press, and they believe a full housecleaning is required, including in the front office.
The last “fresh start” by owner Ralph Wilson was undertaken by Marv Levy after G.M. Tom Donahoe was fired, and coach Mike Mularkey left the team. Levy chose Jauron and took over as G.M. for two years, then passed the baton to Russ Brandon.
Jerry Sullivan of the Buffalo News calls Brandon a “marketing guru,” but not a true football man. He wants a new leader. Tom Modrak and John Guy are believed to make most personnel decisions and have failed to help the Bills reach the playoff seasons in eight years of service with the team.
The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle also calls for a full replacement of the front office, and it’s hard to argue with the logic.
Like Browns owner Randy Lerner, Ralph Wilson may be on the look out for a “football czar” to run things. Assuming he’s willing to pay for one.
UPDATE: (For more on Jauron’s firing, check out Florio’s PFTV segment here. Or look up.)