As the Bills coaching blunders continue to shake the faith of Buffalonians, the region can rejoice in the news that UB has extended the contract of Turner Gill. Gill's turnaround of UB's football program has been nothing short of epic and the contract extension is the rightful reward for that success.
In his first year as head coach of UB, the Bulls were 2-10. In his second year, the Bulls were 5-7. And last year, Gill produced a 8-5 record and UB's first bowl berth. . . ever. Oh yeah, and the Bulls beat an undefeated Ball State team to win their first-ever MAC championship.
This kind of remarkable progress is alien to Bills fans, of course. As the Bills coaching carousel has spun, the Bills have treated the faithful to consecutive records of 3-13, 8-8, 6-10, 9-7, 5-11, 7-9, 7-9, and 6-8 (with two games pending). That record is neither remarkable nor progress.
Under Gill, the UB football program turnaround has been so dramatic as to draw national attention. Generally, coaches who generate this kind of success are lured to higher-profile jobs at larger football schools. While Gill has interviewed with Syracuse, Auburn and Nebraska, we're fortunate that he's still here.
Even with the contract extension, there's a question as to how long UB can keep Gill if he posts another remarkable season next year. If Gill is intent on moving up from UB after next year, maybe we can keep him local by offering him the Bills job. Seriously.
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In his first year as head coach of UB, the Bulls were 2-10. In his second year, the Bulls were 5-7. And last year, Gill produced a 8-5 record and UB's first bowl berth. . . ever. Oh yeah, and the Bulls beat an undefeated Ball State team to win their first-ever MAC championship.
This kind of remarkable progress is alien to Bills fans, of course. As the Bills coaching carousel has spun, the Bills have treated the faithful to consecutive records of 3-13, 8-8, 6-10, 9-7, 5-11, 7-9, 7-9, and 6-8 (with two games pending). That record is neither remarkable nor progress.
Under Gill, the UB football program turnaround has been so dramatic as to draw national attention. Generally, coaches who generate this kind of success are lured to higher-profile jobs at larger football schools. While Gill has interviewed with Syracuse, Auburn and Nebraska, we're fortunate that he's still here.
Even with the contract extension, there's a question as to how long UB can keep Gill if he posts another remarkable season next year. If Gill is intent on moving up from UB after next year, maybe we can keep him local by offering him the Bills job. Seriously.
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I agree, Jauron must go, and Gill is a good prospect to replace him. The MAC is not exactly the SEC, so I'm not sure Coach Gill is NFL ready, but I'd be willing to give it a shot.
Check my website, www.buffaloex-pat.com for more commentary on this issue and other topics dear to our hearts.