Ranking the 7 NFL Head Coaching Hires

Rex Ryan, Buffalo Bills

Jim Tomsula and Rex Ryan have a lot of similarities: both are defensive-minded coaches, both stayed in their respective states from last season, and both are safe picks for these franchises. But at least Rexy is somewhat more sexy. Yes, this sweater vest-wearing behemoth of a personality brings at least a little more name recognition to the Buffalo Bills, but Rex Ryan was the wrong guy for this gig.

The Bears are a mess, and they mismatched head coach to defensive coordinator, and defensive coordinator to personnel. But the Bills didn’t do much better. The Bills are a more versatile team on defense, having played in the 3-4 under Mike Pettine in 2013 as well as the 4-3 under Jim Schwartz in 2014, not to mention an elite defensive unit (8th in Adjusted Defensive NEP in 2013, 2nd in 2014). Still, why hire a coach whose best quality is selecting and grooming a defense if you already have that?

Ryan’s Achilles heel has always been assembling an offense. From Mark Sanchez to Geno Smith, it’s just never happened. So, what does he do? He goes out and hires ultra-conservative playcaller Greg Roman –- formerly of the San Francisco 49ers –- to be his offensive go-to. I just don’t see this going anywhere different than Ryan’s Jets tenure, and it’s very likely he rides a power back, speed back combo to yet another 8-8 season while a dominant defense languishes. This was a hiring to keep Buffalo relevant, but in doing so it became one that will keep them mediocre.