ESPN is reporting that former Saint player and coach Doug Marrone has agreed to leave Syracuse University and become the coach of the Buffalo Bills

Marrone will replace Chan Gailey, who was fired after going 16-32 over three seasons in Buffalo. Marrone has yet to sign a deal.

The Bills also interviewed Oregon's Chip Kelly on Friday and former Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith on Saturday.

Marrone coached the New York Jets offensive line from 2002-05 and was the offensive coordinator under Sean Payton with the New Orleans Saints from 2006-08.

The Saints offense ranked first (2006), fourth (2007) and first (2008) in total offense during Marrone's time in New Orleans and had the league's No. 1 scoring offense in 2008.

Marrone also played a season with the Saints in 1989.

He's been credited for turning around the Orange in four seasons.
 
Syracuse rolled to an 8-5 finish by winning six of its last seven games this season, including a 38-14 win over West Virginia in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl.

Marrone began his coaching career in 1992 as tight ends coach at Cortland State, and also coached at the collegiate level at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Northeastern, Georgia Tech, Georgia and Tennessee.