According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Buffalo Bills have requested to interview Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton. It’s reportedly the second time this week that a team has requested to interview Hamilton, as the Oakland Raiders had previously requested the Colts’ permission earlier this week.
Oct 9, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton during game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
For Hamilton, it only reinforces the notion that he’s one of the hottest young head coaching candidates on the market. The 40 year old Hamilton has been calling the shots for one of the league’s most prolific offenses this season. The Colts ranked 6th in ppg at 28.6 ppg and 3rd best in total yards per game at 406.6 total ypg.
In his 2nd season as Colts offensive coordinator, he’s turned over the reins to his young stud quarterback in Andrew Luck by featuring a pass heavy attack. While he previously failed attempted to have the Colts become a “smash-mouth” power running offense last season, he’s clearly tailored his offensive scheme for the best by putting the ball in the hands of his best player. While Hamilton isn’t an offensive genius by any means, he’s still one of the better offensive minds currently in the game and is well-respected by his Colts’ players.
However, he’d have considerable work to do with the Buffalo Bills offense if he became their next head coach. The Bills ranked 18th in ppg at 21.4 ppg and 26th in total ypg at 318.5 ypg. Additionally, their starting quarterback Kyle Orton, recently indicated that he plans to retire, while their former 2013 1st round pick, E.J. Manuel, has struggled mightily so far in his young NFL career. It would be a tough transition to go from Andrew Luck with the Colts to the Bills’ cloudy situation at quarterback.
While the Bills could simply be looking to satisfy the “Rooney Rule” by interviewing a minority candidate, Hamilton should be seriously considered regardless. He likely won’t be able to interview until after the Colts season is over, which hopefully isn’t until at least a handful of weeks.
January 24, 2014; Ko’Olina, HI, USA; Team Sanders offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton of the Indianapolis Colts (left) and quarterback Andrew Luck of the Indianapolis Colts (12, right) pose for a photo during the 2014 Pro Bowl media day at J.W. Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports