The rundown on Doug Marrone:
He was born in the Bronx, started his coaching career in Upstate New York, returned to coach Syracuse University, and now makes the 2-hour westward move to Orchard Park. He's a New York man, through-and-through, but just who is the Buffalo Bills new head coach, Doug Marrone?
Age:48 years old
Birthplace: Bronx, New York
Family: He and wife, Helen, have two daughters, Madeline and Anne, and a son, Mack.
Education:
- Graduated from Herbert H. Lehman High School in the Bronx, NY, in 1982.
- Played and studied at Syracuse University from 1983-1985, finishing his degree from SU in liberal arts in 1991.
Playing resume:
- Three year letterman as offensive lineman at Syracuse University (1983-1985)
- Selected by the Los Angeles Raiders in the 6th round of the 1986 NFL Draft
- Played two seasons in the NFL (1987 – Mimi Dolphins, 1989 – New Orleans Saints)
- Ended his career for the NFL Europe London Monarchs (1991-1992)
Coaching resume:
- Head Coach, Syracuse University (2009-2013): Marrone transformed a losing Syracuse program, leading the team to two Pinstripe Bowl wins.
- Offensive Coordinator, New Orleans Saints (2006-2008): In the 2008 season, the Saints led the NFL in yards per game in total offense and passing offense.
- Offensive Line Coach, New York Jets (2002-2005): In 2004, the Jets finished 3rd in the NFL in rushing yards and 2nd in rushing first downs.
- Tight Ends/Tackles Coach, University of Tennessee (2001)
- Offensive Line Coach, University of Georgia (2000)
- Offensive Line Coach, Georgia Tech (1997-1999)
- Tight Ends Coach, Georgia Tech (1996)
- Director of Football Operations, Georgia Tech (1995)
- Offensive Line Coach, Northeastern University (1994)
- Offensive Line Coach, U.S. Coast Guard Academy (1993)
- Tight Ends Coach, SUNY Cortland (1992)
Fun Facts:
- Named 'America's Friendliest College Football Coach' by ESPN the Magazine in 2011
- He worked for free when he started his coaching career at SUNY Cortland.
- As the Offensive Coordinator, he coached Drew Brees to a league leading 5,069 passing yards in 2008.
- He's childhood friends with New York Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay.
- Marrone stands tall at 6'5".
- The USA Today reported that after forgetting which session was next during a SU practice in August 2012, Marrone held himself accountable and performed five "up-downs," similar to the punishment a player would get for not being focused at practice. "I made a mistake. We hold the players accountable for their own actions, so if I make a mistake I hold myself accountable just like the players," Marrone said.
- He was named Co-MVP for his play in the 1985 Cherry Bowl, which the Orange lost.
