Tom Coughlin wouldn't be fine with that. At 70 years old and with two Super Bowl rings, he's not interested in returning to the sidelines simply because he misses being there and would take any opportunity offered. He would want full control of the football operation, including final say on the 53-man roster. That does not fit Whaley's agenda.

The Bills actually could have a shot at getting Josh McDaniels, offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots (a.k.a. the best possible antidote to the Bills' New England curse). A source close to McDaniels said he would be interested in interviewing with the Bills, but McDaniels also would insist on overseeing the football operation and putting together the 53-man roster. Once again, that would clash with Whaley and make it a non-starter.

Jim Schwartz? The Bills' former defensive coordinator, who now serves in the same capacity with the Philadelphia Eagles and is the former head coach of the Detroit Lions, would have the same conditions. He only needed one season at One Bills Drive to recognize that leaving roster control to Whaley was unworkable.

Frank Reich? The iconic former Bills backup quarterback and current offensive coordinator with the Eagles would also have a problem giving up roster control to Whaley.