Studesville Promoted: Eric Studesville became the fourth member of the offensive coaching staff promoted today. He is now been given the extra responsibility of running game coordinator to go along with his running backs coach position. He will now have more say in the exact style of the team's running game.
Van Pelt Promoted: Alex Van Pelt was the third member of the offensive coaching staff promoted on a very busy Wednesday at One Bills Drive. He now takes over Turk Schonert's old job as quarterbacks coach. Van Pelt was the offensive quality control coach the past two seasons. Van Pelt said he would be happy with his new position anywhere but it is truly special doing it in Buffalo. The Bills new offensive coordinator says he has a comfort level knowing that Van Pelt believes in the same things he does.
Kugler Promoted: As expected, Sean Kugler has been promoted to offensive line coach. He was the assistant to Jim McNally last year and concentrated on the tackles. Kugler received an endorsement for the job from McNally when he retired last week. The two were on the same page on almost everything last year meaning there will be continuity this year with few changes in philosphy.
Schonert Officially Promoted: The Bills made it official this morning, Turk Schonert is the new offensive coordinator. Schonert told the team's website that the offense will indeed be different. While he plans on putting his stamp on it, he wants input from players and coaches. He doesn't plan on a complete overhaul especially in the running game where the terminology will remain similiar to what it was last year. The passing scheme will undergo more changes conceptually.
Schonert The Man? The Buffalo News is reporting that Turk Schonert will indeed be promoted to offensive coordinator to replace the departed Steve Fairchild. Schonert has been the QB coach under Dick Jauron the last two years and would bring continuity to the offense that the players hoped for. Fairchild left to take over the head coaching job at his alma mater Colorado State. The report says the move should be made official in the next day or two. Alex Van Pelt is also expected to get promoted from offensive quality control coach to quarterbacks coach. This will be Schonert's first coordinator position, he has been a QB coach with the Saints, Giants, Panthers, and Buccaneers. This is his second stint with the Bills. Do you think this is the right move? Take our poll on our homepage and let us know what you think!
Tuesday January 15, 2008
Reed Hall Finalist: Andre Reed is one of 17 finalists with a chance to be part of the Hall of Fame class of 2008. He is one of three wide receivers that are finalists along with Chris Carter and Art Monk. There are only 18 wide receivers in the Hall of Fame. Other notable finalists are Richard Dent, Paul Tagliabue, Russ Grimm, and Darrell Green. The members of the class will be announced the day before the Super Bowl.
No Free Agent Starters: The Bills have 12 unrestricted free agents this offseason and 2 restricted free agents. None of them are starters or big name players. Some of them were forced into bigger roles last season because of the rash of injuries like Michael Gaines, Bryan Scott, Jim Leonhard, and Anthony Hargrove. There are also several special teams players that have played together on the highly successfully unit the past four years including Sam Aiken, Mario Haggan, and Josh Stamer. The Bills may have trouble keeping that unit intact by re-signing all of them. Check out our newly launched 2008 Front Office Page with a list of all free agents and what we think they will do each of them. It will also have all player and front office moves. 2008 Front Office Page.
Monday January 14, 2008
Two Openings Need To Be Filled: Now that the front office reorganization has been done, Dick Jauron should begin his search in earnest this week to fill two openings on his staff. They need a new offensive coordinator and new offensive line coach. Their are two internal candidates as Turk Schonert is expected to get an interview for the coordinator spot. Assistant OL coach Sean Kugler has received the endorsement of the retiring Jim McNally. There is no word on who would be on Jauron's radar from outside the organization at this time.
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