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The Buffalo Bills new head coach is Chan Gailey. Wait, who? Okay, so he’s not the most recognizable name out there, but he has the credentials.
Let’s take a look at Gailey’s resume. He does have NFL experience as a head coach and is a very talented offensive mind. This is exactly what the Bills were looking for. Also, he has worked under Bill Cowher while at Pittsburgh. That should be a great selling point for Bills fans.
Gailey led the Steelers offense to the 2nd best rushing total in 1996. Then in 1997, he improved it to 1st. Very impressive. Both seasons the Steelers made the playoffs and advanced through the first round. That led to a head coaching position for Gailey with the Cowboys.
While being the head coach of the Cowboys in 1998 and 1999, Gailey had a record of 18-14 and managed to lead his team to the playoffs both times. In his first season, the Cowboys were NFC East Champs and were 8th in total offense. In 1999, Dallas made the playoffs again and were 6th in the NFL in rushing. After a two-year stint with the Cowboys, he was fired abruptly by Jerry Jones due to not reaching the NFC Championship.
The Dolphins used him as their offensive coordinator from 2001-2002. Both years the Dolphins had superb records, 11-5 and 10-6 respectively. In 2002, Gailey improved the team, and they finished ranked 12th in the league in total offense.
Finally, Gailey spent 2002-2007 working with Georgia Tech as their head coach, posting a record of 44-32. Before he took the job in Buffalo he had one more stint in the NFL, as the Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator.
There are a few statistics that jump out at you with Gailey. First, his offenses he runs are phenomenal. He believes in running the ball to set up the passing game. That bodes well if the Bills decide to draft a rookie quarterback.
Second, Gailey has had great success building winning teams with players who aren’t stars. Kordell Stewart was his quarterback in Pittsburgh and Jay Fiedler was the quarterback in Miami when Gailey was there. Gailey has proved that he can win with average players.
Imagine if the Bills can surround Gailey with some top players through free agency and the draft.
Only time will tell if this move becomes a success.
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