Jauron gone as Bills head coach
Defensive co-ordinator Perry Fewell chosen as interim head coach
Last Updated: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 | 6:16 PM ET
By Jesse Campigotto, CBC Sports
Dick Jauron compiled a 24-33 record as Buffalo's head coach. (Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)The Buffalo Bills have fired embattled head coach Dick Jauron, owner Ralph Wilson announced Tuesday.
Jauron compiled a 24-33 record in his four seasons with Buffalo. A 41-17 defeat to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday dropped the Bills to 3-6 in 2009.
"I have tremendous respect for Dick and thank him for all of his efforts during these past four years," Wilson said in a statement. "While this was a very difficult decision, I felt that it is one that needed to be made at this time for the best interest of our team. We will now focus on moving forward and preparing for our game this week in Jacksonville."
Defensive co-ordinator Perry Fewell will be the Bills' interim head coach, replacing Jauron.
Buffalo went 7-9 in each of Jauron's three complete seasons, extending the franchise's string of playoff-less years to nine. That's tied with the Detroit Lions for the NFL's longest active streak.
Jauron's career NFL head coaching record stands at 60-82. He made the playoffs once in five seasons with the Chicago Bears from 1999-2003, and guided Detroit to a 1-4 mark in an interim stint at the end of 2005.
"I really don't have anything to say," Jauron said when reached on his cellphone by The Associated Press.
Jauron was often criticized by Bills fans for his conservative strategy, and the offence never finished higher than 25th in total yards during the coach's tenure. This year's attack ranks 29th as third-year quarterback Trent Edwards has struggled and controversial receiver Terrell Owens has failed to make the impact expected when he joined the Bills on a one-year, $6.5-million deal last March.
Defensive end Chris Kelsay was shocked to learn of the move happening this late in the season, but not entirely surprised. Kelsay was well aware before the start of the season that changes were in store if the Bills faltered.
"I think everybody understood this was a big year and there was lots at stake," Kelsay told the AP, adding he maintains his respect for Jauron. "I feel a little responsible for it, and most players do. I feel like I let him down because we, as players, are the ones to blame."
Tuesday's firing marks the first time Wilson, 91, has dismissed his head coach in mid-season since Hank Bullough was let go nine games into the 1986 campaign. Marv Levy took over and led the Bills to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances in the early 1990s.
Fewell becomes the Bills' fifth coach in the 12 seasons since Levy's retirement. Wade Phillips, Gregg Williams, Mike Mularkey and Jauron went a combined 84-100, with only Phillips (29-19) posting a winning record before his firing after the 2000 campaign.
Fewell was given the job on Tuesday, hours after Wilson fired Jauron after the team's 3-6 start. Wilson credited Fewell for "demonstrating excellent leadership skills," while noting the players have plenty of "confidence in him."
In his 12th NFL season, and fourth with Buffalo, Fewell becomes the team's first black head coach.
With files from The Associated Press
