On Monday the Buffalo Bills announced former Syracuse Head Coach Doug Marrone will be the team’s 16th head coach in team history. Three days later, the Bills announced Nathaniel Hackett will the team’s offensive coordinator, and Mike Pettine will soon be the defensive coordinator.
Hackett was Marrone’s offensive coordinator in Syracuse, where they guided the Orange to an upset bowl win against West Virginia and highly touted quarterback Geno Smith. The combination led the offense to single season records in yards per game (476), passing yards (3,757) touchdown passes (26), completions (295) and first downs (328).
With the additions of Marrone and Hackett, all eyes turn to former Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib, who has already declared for this year’s NFL draft, where he is projected to go in the second round. Rumors Nassib will be drafted by the Bills are sure to heat up between now and April’s draft.
Hackett’s offense also produced the Big East’s receiving leader in Alex Lemon (1,070) as well as a 1,000 yard rusher in each of his three seasons as the offensive coordinator of the Orange.
Hackett ran a quick tempo style of offensive at Syracuse, but said he has to evaluate the players he has on the Bills’s roster and create a foundation offense before determining the temp the team will have.
Before Syracuse, he spent four seasons in the NFL as an offensive quality coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2006-2007) and the Bills (2008-2009).
Mike Pettine will take over on the defensive side of the ball. He served as defensive coordinator under Rex Ryan since 2009. Pettine has not been formerly announced by the Bills yet because the deal has not been finalized.
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