Bills HC Doug Marrone Opts Out Of Contract, Now A Free Agent

Update:

The Bills have officially announced that HC Doug Marrone has, in fact, opted out of his agreement.

BREAKING: Doug Marrone has opted out of his contract with the Buffalo Bills. Details and statement from Terry Pegula coming shortly.

— Buffalo Bills (@buffalobills) December 31, 2014

A statement from owner Terry Pegula. pic.twitter.com/Qaf4GBr6C9

— Buffalo Bills (@buffalobills) December 31, 2014

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ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that Bills HC Doug Marrone has opted out of his contract and is now a free agent.

• Adam Schefter reports that Marrone’s walks with his 2015 salary of $4 million without it counting as an offset against any future salary.
• Tim Graham reports that Marrone asked Pegulas for an extension and was told no. He then asked for extensions for his assistants and was also told no.

Jason La Canfora reported earlier in the day that fraction existed between Bills GM Doug Whaley and Marrone.

Meanwhile, Adam Caplan reported Marrone was looking for more stability in his coaching staff, as most assistants were only signed through 2015, though DC Jim Schwartz’s contract extends beyond that.

Several has said that if Marrone were to opt out of his contract, he would be among the most sought after head coaching options.

Michael Silver points out that Marrone is unlikely to have opted out of his contract if he didn’t already have another head coaching opportunity lined up.

The Jets could be a team to watch as they could have “strong interest” in Marrone, according to Schefter and Caplan (via Rich Cimini).