Bills CEO admits Doug Marrone was involved in argument during practice
Buffalo Bills president and CEO Russ Brandon confirmed to the Buffalo News on Friday that there was a spat between team officials and head coach Doug Marrone during a recent practice, but downplayed the severity of the argument.
"(Director of player personnel Jim Monos) wasn't even involved," Brandon said. "(General manager Doug Whaley) and coach were involved in the discussion.
"This is the best working relationship I have seen, to be honest, between a coach and a GM. They're great competitors and communicators."
Brandon's comments come in the wake of a report by Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports that Marrone recently engaged in a "loud verbal altercation" with his superiors during practice.
La Canfora suggests that the incident was fueled by the "strained relationship" between Marrone and Monos. He also reports that, at one point, Marrone challenged Brandon to "go ahead and fire me."
Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio provided additional context, reporting that Marrone was unhappy with the team's decision to sign quarterback Kyle Orton after the preseason had wrapped up.
There is some speculation that the two-year, $11-million deal Orton signed with the Bills is an indication he will play at some point this season.
"Did we have a discussion? I confirm that, absolutely," Marrone told the Buffalo News. "We talk every day, three times a day. We talk about a lot of things. We're competitive.
"I couldn't be happier with those guys. I really couldn't."