It seems that the seeds of discontent that led to the end for Doug Marrone in Buffalo were sewn all the way back on draft day this year.
Marrone was strongly against the Bills’ decision to surrender a future first round pick to the Browns in order to trade up and select Watkins. Marrone felt that, if they were going to give up an extra first rounder, they should be getting a potential franchise quarterback in return.
The trade sent the Bills’ No. 9 overall pick as well as their first and fourth rounders in the 2015 draft to Cleveland in exchange for the No. 4 pick, which the Bills used to take Watkins. The wide receiver was slowed at times by injuries, but played in all 16 games as he caught 65 passes for 982 yards and six touchdowns.
While Watkins is far from a bust, it’s the principle of the trade that obviously upset Marrone and emphasized the disconnect between the coach and management. In the end, it seems like that was his undoing.
Marrone will have no problem finding a job next year after the Bills’ solid 9-7 effort this season. He’s scheduled to interview with the Jets today, then talk with the Falcons tomorrow.
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[via ESPN]
