Here's the Bills news of note for Jan. 10th.
**1 - New coach timeline on pace with 2016
**Each year there are about a half dozen vacant NFL head coaching positions. This offseason is no different with the Bills being one of them. With the first coaching hire reportedly happening Monday with the Jaguars hiring interim coach Doug Marrone, the timeline on hirings is almost on par with the timing of last offseason.
In 2016, the first new coach was hired seven days after the end of the regular season – Adam Gase in Miami. The seven coaching openings were filled anywhere from seven to 16 days after the 2015 season ended. By January 18th all of the hires were made, and it would've concluded four days earlier had Doug Pederson not had to coach with the Chiefs in the Divisional playoff round first.
The reported hiring of Marrone leaves just five more head coach vacancies and it is now nine days since the 2016 season concluded.
RELATED: BILLS TODAY: COACHING SEARCH RECAP
2 - 49ers considering McDermott package deal?One of Buffalo's head coaching candidates, Sean McDermott reportedly interviews with the San Francisco 49ers Tuesday. The timing of the Carolina defensive coordinator's interview is very interesting knowing the 49ers also confirmed on Monday that they interviewed Carolina assistant general manager Brandon Beane.
Beane has been with the Panthers since 1998, while McDermott arrived when he was hired as defensive coordinator in 2011.
The 49ers need a GM and head coach after firing both Chip Kelly and GM Trent Baalke. Finding a pair of candidates who have a previous working relationship is certainly a very logical approach.
3 - QB prospect Trubisky declares for 2017 draftThe 2017 quarterback class just got stronger. On Monday, North Carolina Tar Heels QB Mitch Trubisky decided to forgo his senior season and declared himself eligible for the 2017 NFL draft. He joins a list of early entry candidates at quarterback that includes Miami QB Brad Caaya, Notre Dame QB DeShone Kizer, Texas Tech QB Pat Mahomes, Clemson QB DeShaun Watson and Virginia Tech QB Jerod Evans.
Trubisky is just a one-year starter, but Trubisky set school records with 3,748 yards passing and 30 touchdowns, as well as for completions (304), attempts (447) and total offense (4,056). He also completed more than 68 percent of his passes.
He's expected to affect the top 10 picks in the 2017 draft class. Teams ahead of the Bills (No. 10) that could consider a quarterback include Cleveland (No. 1), San Francisco (No. 2), Chicago (No. 3), NY Jets (No. 6).
