The Buffalo Bills announced Friday night on Twitter that they have formally interviewed University of Oregon coach Chip Kelly, former Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith and Syracuse University coach Doug Marrone for their head-coaching vacancy.
The Bills' official website said the interview with Kelly took place late Friday in Arizona, one day after Kelly led Oregon to a Fiesta Bowl victory. NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported Friday that Kelly was very close to a deal with the Cleveland Browns.
Smith's interview also was Friday. Smith, who has 17 years of NFL coaching experience plus 13 years as a collegiate coach, was described as having the most experience in Buffalo's candidate pool.
Marrone has been Syracuse's coach since 2009. Before joining Syracuse, Marrone spent three seasons as offensive coordinator of the New Orleans Saints. The Browns and Philadelphia Eagles also are interested in Marrone.
