ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Dressed sharply in a navy suit, glistening red tie and crisp white shirt, Rex Ryan stepped to the lectern, tapped the microphone and with conviction asked the crowd, "Is this thing on? Because it's getting ready to be on."
It was the afternoon of Jan. 14, 2015, Ryan's third day as Buffalo Bills head coach. Two weeks earlier, Doug Marrone had quit the same job, opting to use a little-known escape clause in his contract despite leading the Bills to their first winning season since 2004. Realizing an opportunity, Ryan quickly got to work selling hope to a spurned fan base.