Rex Ryan could be fired if Bills don’t make playoffs next season

The Bills finished 8-8 this season, a one-game drop-off from their 2014 campaign. More problematic, though, was how the defense performed under Ryan, despite that being his specialty. The Bills dropped to No. 15 in points allowed and No. 19 in yards allowed this season after finishing in No. 4 in both categories last year. Ryan has also had problems working with his star-studded defensive line, specifically Mario Williams, who recorded just five sacks this season.

“Our expectations were not met,” Pegula said last week in a statement, via the Buffalo News. “I look forward to working and collaborating with Doug Whaley and Rex Ryan in forming a winning future for the organization. Our management team and coaching staff are very capable and work well together. This stable foundation is necessary to achieve long-term success in the NFL.”

Ryan has four years left on the deal he signed last season and is guaranteed to be paid $27.5 million. He was fired by the Jets in 2014 after missing the playoffs in his final four years with the team.

Whaley, on the other hand, has just one year left on his current deal. He was asked on Monday whether he expects to receive a contract extension.

“The only thing I expect to do, as every day, (is) come in here and try to get better,” he said, via the Buffalo News. “I mean, that stuff, I’ll leave to Russ and the ownership. I just know that every day I’ve come in here, I’ve had positive feedback from the Pegulas.”

Buffalo’s WGR 550’s Sal Capaccio reported that he’s been told Whaley is in Buffalo “for the long haul.”

Whaley has been in Buffalo since 2010 and was named general manager in May 2013. The Bills went 9-7 in 2014 before head coach Doug Marrone decided to leave.

The Bills haven’t made the playoffs since 1999.