One year ago, Buffalo Bills fans were sweating out the head coach hiring process around the National Football League, hoping no one would want to hire offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.
Josh Allen had a breakout third season in the league, the Bills offense was one of the most explosive in the league, and the team came within one victory of the franchise's first Super Bowl berth since the 1993 season.
As you know, Daboll did not get a new gig, and Allen hit a higher level in Year 4 with the Bills.
Daboll is now the head coach of the New York Giants, and the Bills are looking for a new man to run their offense. But there's no reason to be worried - if you are worried - about the change.
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Hopefully the Bills are able to promote from within and reach an agreement with quarterbacks coach Ken Dorsey to be the next offensive coordinator. He worked closely with Daboll, was named the passing game coordinator prior to the 2021 season, and would give the Bills continuity in one of the most important positions on an NFL staff.
But if it doesn't work out and the Bills have to go outside of the organization for a replacement, I don't think it will be a problem come next season.
I would like to believe general manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott would be looking for someone who philosophically aligns with what Daboll thought and what the offense has been. I don't think it would mean the Bills would be looking to run the ball more, not when Allen and the passing game are still the Bills' No. 1 strength. Maybe a new coordinator would be able to find some yards-after-catch in the passing game, since the Bills were one of the worst in the league in that category.
I also believe that Allen has elevated his game so much over the last two seasons that he is almost "offensive coordinator proof," meaning an outside hire wouldn't lead to a step back in his performances and production.
The only possible issue, as far as next season is concerned, would be the play caller-quarterback relationship.
I do think that is critical to their success, and it takes time to build that chemistry. It just doesn't automatically happen on Day 1 of training camp. The play caller and quarterback almost have to think as one, be on the same page, so to speak.
I'd hope any outside hire would allow Allen to have input on the weekly game plan, and ask him what plays he likes or doesn't like each week.
As time went on, Daboll learned everything he needed to know about Allen's game, as far as his strengths and weaknesses. A new coordinator, of course, would watch all the tape of Allen, but there's a certain feel you need to have while calling a game. I do think that comes with in game experiences.
I'd also hope any new coordinator would trust Allen and give him freedom to call audibles during a game and make in-game suggestions. But again, that might only come with time on task.
At least Beane and McDermott have earned "benefit of the doubt" status among Bills fans, and that should also ease any fears about finding the right guy for the job post-Daboll in Buffalo.
