Doug Marrone opts to step down as Buffalo Bills coach

Well, that was quick. Coach Doug Marrone is leaving the Buffalo Bills after two seasons.

He opted to exercise the escape clause in his contract and relinquish his responsibilities as coach, an option that became available when the team was sold to new owners Kim and Terry Pegula.

It was a three-day-out clause that began at the end of the season, and Marrone waited until the final day to announce his decision.

“We are disappointed that Coach Marrone will no longer be an important part of our organization ,” the Bills said in an emailed statement. “We thank him for all of his hard work and leadership during his tenure and wish him and his family the best with the next chapter in their lives.

“We now begin the important process of conducting a thorough search for a new head coach as we continue to strive to reach our goal of returning to the playoffs and bringing a championship to Buffalo for our fans.”

Marrone, formerly the head coach at Syracuse, was hired in 2013 to replace the fired Chan Gailey.

After going 6-10 in Marrone’s first season, putting them in the AFC East cellar, the Bills finished 9-7 this season and second to 12-4 New England.