Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula has given General Manager Doug Whaley and coach Rex Ryan a year to turn the team around after its disappointing 8-8 season, The Buffalo News has learned.
A team source told The News that Pegula met with Whaley and Ryan about a week ago to review the 2015 season and look ahead.
During the session, the source said, Pegula gave Whaley and Ryan an ultimatum: make the necessary fixes to get the team into the playoffs in the 2016 season or be fired.
Whaley is known to have a year remaining on his contract, while Ryan has four years left on a deal that guarantees him to be paid $27.5 million.
Last week, Pegula issued a statement that effectively served as a vote of confidence for Whaley and Ryan, but offered no specific timetable. After establishing that "our expectations were not met," Pegula went onto say, "Bills co-owner and Pegula's wife) Kim, (team managing partner/president) Russ (Brandon) and I look forward to working and collaborating with Doug Whaley and Rex Ryan in forming a winning future for the organization. Our management team and coaching staff are very capable and work well together. This stable foundation is necessary to achieve long-term success in the NFL."
When asked during Monday's season-ending news conference if he expected to receive a contract extension, Whaley said, "The only thing I expect to do, as every day, (is) come in here and try to get better. I mean, that stuff, I'll leave to Russ and the ownership. I just know that every day I've come in here, I've had positive feedback from the Pegulas."
Whaley said he didn't need a vote of confidence, because he has "daily dealings" with Terry Pegula.
In early December, another team source, answering a question about a potential contract extension for Whaley, told The News, "Of course we don't discuss those things during the season."
I really thought we would have a chance to make it this year with the schedule and all the weapons added on offense. Didn't think Rex's outdated ass scheme would have such an adverse effect on the defense. The only way I see this team making the playoffs next season is Sammy Watkins turning into an All-Pro candidate and that the offense explodes under Greg Roman
hopefully his ending gave Greg Roman some fukking sense
Pegula giving Rex an ultimatum, 
on Whaley though
