Jauron to return as Bills' coach in 2009

Dec 30, 2008 - 11:03 PM ORCHARD PARK, New York (Ticker) -- Dick Jauron will return to coach the Buffalo Bills in 2009.

Jauron, who coached the Bills to a 7-9 record for a third consecutive season, received a vote of confidence from team owner Ralph C. Wilson in a statement released Tuesday.

The announcement came after the 90-year-old Wilson met with team executives Monday, one day after the Bills completed their fourth consecutive losing campaign - and their third straight under Jauron - with a 13-0 loss to New England.

Wilson acknowledged that he wants to see improvement from the Bills but stated that he did not want to disrupt the team's current leadership structure.

"It is well known that I share many of the fans' dissatisfaction with our offensive game management," Wilson said in the statement. "That being said, I believe that this team, at this time, is better served by continuity in the coaching staff rather than a disruptive overhaul."

It was a disappointing season for the Bills, who got off to a 5-1 start before losing eight of their final 10 games en route to a last-place finish in the AFC East.

Buffalo struggled offensively over that 10-game stretch, failing to score more than 17 points in six of those contests.

But Wilson apparently was pleased with the progress shown this season by the Bills, who were plagued by long-term injuries to multiple starters.

"The team played hard all year long and there are many positives to build on," Wilson said. "This is not to say that we will be complacent. In my discussions with Dick and our senior football people, the issues are recognized and I am confident they will be addressed."

Jauron, 58, owns a 21-27 record with Buffalo, who hired the former NFL Coach of the Year on January 23, 2006.

During Jauron's time in Buffalo, the Bills have constructed an improving young team led by star running back Marshawn Lynch, Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters and linebacker Paul Posluszny.

However, the Bills have been plagued by inconsistent play at quarterback, where they have rotated the starting job between Trent Edwards and J.P. Losman. Edwards started 14 games this season, passing for 2,699 yards and 11 touchdowns but also committing 15 turnovers.

"I believe in the last few years we have gotten close personnel-wise and look forward to another strong draft, more assertive veteran leadership and continued improvement from our young quarterback," Wilson said.

Prior to his tenure with the Bills, Jauron spent five seasons as the head coach of the Chicago Bears, posting a 35-45 overall record and winning the 2001 NFC Central title.

Jauron also went 1-4 in five games as the Detroit Lions' interim head coach during the 2005 campaign.