Bills Hire Longtime Reid Assistant David Culley for QB Coach

Philadelphia Eagles 2007 Headshots

While sojourning in Mobile for the Senior Bowl, Bills head coach Sean McDermott continues to complete his staff, hiring 22 year NFL coaching vet and longtime Andy Reid assistant David Culley as QB coach.

Culley, 61, was the assistant head coach/wide receivers on the Chiefs, which makes me intrigued as to whether he will hold the same such moniker with the Bills while being QB coach.

While known primarily as a wide receivers coach, Culley has extensive experience as both a college coach. Culley was also the first black QB to play at Vanderbilt, an experience he credits for getting into the coaching world. From an x’s and o’s perspective, having Culley – who has served for two decades on Andy Reid staffs – further insulates McDermott with West Coast Offense lifers and gives him yet another coach from his days on the Eagles.

As mentioned in the above-linked article from the Kansas City Chiefs, Culley is known as a straight shooter that tries to get the best out of his players, while also cultivating relationships off the field:

After more than two decades of coaching at the collegiate and professional levels, there’s one moment that stands out to Culley that he’ll never forget.

Former Eagles receiver Terrell Owens, who had already put together five 1,000-yard seasons and four 13-plus touchdown seasons in San Francisco before joining the Eagles in 2004, came up to Culley after practice one day in 2005.

“He came up to me and said ‘Culley, don’t ever quit coaching me.’

“He validated me that day.”

As with the rest of the hires of Sean McDermott’s first staff, Culley’s extensive experience and desire to teach is a hallmark of his coaching style.

I have to say I’m impressed with the staff on the whole – and with picks like Waufle, Frazier, Dennison already being good hires, having someone like Culley can be transformative for any headstrong offensive players that need a mentor, as well as whomever they fill the QB room with. Also, with this hire Culley will be one of the few black quarterback coaches in the NFL, a position that is typically the go-to coach for transitioning to offensive coordinator. This will also insulate McDermott should Dennison depart at any point.

To recap, I’m very pleased with this hire and I look forward to coach Culley and the rest of the Bills staff teaching the Bills of 2017 and beyond.

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