Marrone turning pro, leaves Syracuse for the Bills
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Doug Marrone turned around a floundering program at Syracuse University.
The Buffalo Bills are hopeful he is capable of improving a franchise that hasn't reached the playoffs in 13 seasons, the NFL's longest active drought.
Marrone was named head coach by the Bills on Monday.
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"I'm dying to go to work. We have a lot of work to do," Marrone said.
The 48-year-old Bronx native replaces Chan Gailey, who was fired on New Year's Eve after going 16-32 over three seasons.
Marrone is viewed as a savior after bringing the Orange up from the depths of irrelevance. He compiled a 25-25 record in four seasons at his alma mater.
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Syracuse earned a share of the 2012 Big East title and posted a 38-14 victory over West Virginia in the Pinstripe Bowl to finish with an 8-5 mark.
The Orange were 10-37 over a four-year period before Marrone took over the program.
Marrone has previously worked in the NFL, but not as a head coach. He served as Sean Payton's offensive coordinator in New Orleans from 2006-08 and was the New York Jets' offensive line coach from 2002-05.