Two seasons after EJ Manuel was selected with the No. 13 pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills are still supporting the quarterback. Bills general manager Doug Whaley "has spoken in glowing terms" of Manuel in head coaching interviews, according to Vic Carucci of Buffalo News.
Bills GM praising EJ Manuel in head coach interviews
Doug Whaley is reportedly blaming coaching for EJ Manuel’s struggles in his first two years in the league.
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Whaley, who was instrumental in the decision to draft Manuel, blamed coaching for the lack of development from the quarterback through two seasons. The general manager is reportedly letting coaching candidates know that Manuel’s growth is a top priority.
Manuel, who is currently the only quarterback on the Bills' payroll for next year, worked two seasons with head coach Doug Marrone before the coach elected to use an opt-out clause in his contract and leave the team. After starting four games for the Bills in September, Manuel was benched and watched from the sideline for the remainder of the season while Kyle Orton led the team for 12 games before abruptly retiring after Week 17.
In 10 starts as a rookie in 2013, Manuel completed 58.8 percent of his passes with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Those numbers mostly stayed consistent in his second season when he completed 58 percent of his passes with five touchdowns and three interceptions.
The Bills’ coaching search is an expansive one that already features over a dozen candidates. Whoever comes out with the team’s head coaching job will likely be expected to work with Manuel in 2015.
See More:
