Although we have not got to the new league year yet, more Buffalo Bills news has just rolled in. The team has reportedly cut ties with their head strength and conditioning coach, Eric Ciano. The Bills have made a bunch of changes to their staff recently, with the hiring of cornerbacks coach Mike Pellegrino, senior defensive assistant Ryan Nielsen, and special teams coordinator Chris Tabor. Now, the Bills will be in search of a new head strength and conditioning coach.
Bills continue to make changes in coaching staff
Ciano has been with the Bills organization since 2010, coming over with now-former Bills head coach Chan Gailey. Before joining the Bills he was with Georgia Tech from 2005-2009, where he served the same role. In 2020, Ciano was named the NFL’s Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year by The Professional Football Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association.
The now 15-year NFL coach has overlooked all player workouts and training programs since 2010. He played a large role in helping players rehab and keeping them in shape for the season. The Bills were one of the more healthy teams this season, which was a nice change of pace from the previous few years. The Bills were almost fully healthy heading into the playoffs for the first time in years.
While it is not all on the coach and staff, unfortunately, they take on the brunt of the blame. Frustrated fans have been calling for Ciano to be fired for years now. One thing that stuck out was the end-of-season press conferences from general manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott.
Brandon Beane noted his disappointment with how rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman returned from his wrist injury this season. He was clearly not the same after he returned, essentially being a ghost after a solid start to his rookie year. Is it possible they placed the blame for that on Ciano?
Another thing pointed out in the press conference was the need for Dalton Kincaid to get stronger. They need his play strength to go up and his body to be able to hand a full season workload if he’s ever to become the premier tight end they drafted him to be.
Perhaps the Bills’ brass doesn’t believe Ciano is the right man to get Kincaid there, or they simply want a fresh approach for all their players. One thing is for sure though, the Bills staff is going through a lot of change this offseason, even if it is smaller moves.
