Bills Keep Head Coach Dick Jauron

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Buffalo Bills head coach Dick Jauron still has a job. After several days of meetings with owner Ralph Wilson, it was decided that coach Jauron will return for a 4th season. Mr. Wilson issued the following statement today:

“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 will be addressed. 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.”

I’m a little surprised by this decision. As much as I like coach Jauron as a person, three straight losing seasons doesn’t usually equal ongoing employment in the National Football League. I thought coach Jauron sealed his own fate with an unbelievably bad call against the Jets in a December 14 loss. The Bills had all but won the game and were moving the ball successfully on the ground to run out the clock until coach allowed an ill-advised pass play that resulted in a J.P. Losman fumble and subsequent score by the Jets defense to secure the win over the Bills. Of course, one play does not a season make, but there were other instances of unusual decision-making.

The Bills started the 2008 season impressively — 4-0 and then 5-1 — before collapsing and finishing with a miserable 2-8 record to close at 7-9. In coach Jauron’s defense, the team did show statistical improvement this season, but not improvement where it counts the most — in wins and losses.

Source: BuffaloBills.com, Photo: Newscom