Updated

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) Buffalo Bills co-owner Terry Pegula is placing his faith in coach Rex Ryan and general manager Doug Whaley for next season by issuing a statement to clear up any speculation regarding their future with the team.

Both will be back.

Pegula said he and his wife, Kim, are looking forward to collaborating with Ryan and Whaley to form what he called, ''a winning future for the organization.'' Pegula believes a stable foundation is necessary for long-term success.

Pegula's backing does not come as a surprise despite the criticism Whaley and Ryan have drawn with the Bills (7-8) extending the NFL's longest active playoff drought to 16 seasons.

Ryan closes his first season facing his former team, the New York Jets, on Sunday.

Whaley is completing his third season as GM and has one year left on his contract.

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