On Jan. 5, Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson declared Marv Levy the team’s president and general manager. The 80-year old Levy, who coached the Bills from 1986-1997, compiled a 112-70 record in Buffalo and is the only coach in league history to bring a team to four straight Superbowl appearances. After the Bills notched a dismal 5-11 record this past season, can he bring his recipe for success back to the hapless team, who hasn’t made the playoffs since 1999, or is Levy’s hiring simply window dressing for a floundering franchise?

(photo: Daniel B. Honigman)

Name: Davis Green

Occupation: Auto detailing

Residence: Niagara Falls

What do you think of the Buffalo Bills’ hiring of Marv Levy as the team’s general manager? I think it’s pretty smart because a lot of people in the league know Marv Levy and he can possibly bring players here who wouldn’t come here otherwise. I think he’ll add a spark to the organization.

If you were the general manager, what’s the first position you’d upgrade? The biggest upgrade would be at the quarterback position. I think [J.P.] Losman just doesn’t have what it takes to lead this team and lead the offense. There are some quarterbacks out there other than Matt Leinart and Vince Young who the Bills should look at.

Do you think J.P. Losman should be the starting quarterback next season for the Bills? Why or why not? He shouldn’t be starting here. Not at all.

With all of the changes being made to the team this winter, what are your predictions for next season? I hope for the best, but I don’t know yet.

(photo: Daniel B. Honigman)

Name: Edwin Williams

Occupation: Restaurant employee

Residence: Buffalo

What do you think of the Buffalo Bills’ hiring of Marv Levy as the team’s general manager? I think that’s a good thing. It’s going to make our team a lot better, too, because he was a winner when he was here before, and he should do a good job again.

If you were the general manager, what’s the first position you’d upgrade? In my opinion, I think we need another linebacker, someone who can plug up the holes and stop the run, and even put more pressure on the quarterback.

Do you think J.P. Losman should be the starting quarterback next season for the Bills? Why or why not? We should go with maybe somebody better in the draft, because I don’t think he has it. He comes from a [warm weather] school, and maybe he just isn’t suited for this type of weather.

With all of the changes being made to the team this winter, what are your predictions for next season? If we get a nice draft pick, and if Ralph Wilson opens his pocketbook and spends money on free agents, maybe we can at least make the playoffs.

(photo: Daniel B. Honigman)

Name: Nicole Conte

Occupation: Student

Residence: Amherst

What do you think of the Buffalo Bills’ hiring of Marv Levy as the team’s general manager? It’s great. I love him and it’s good that he’s back. He was a big part of the Bills in the ’90s, and because we have him again, we should be able to get a lot of good players.

If you were the general manager, what’s the first position you’d upgrade? Probably an offensive line.

Do you think J.P. Losman should be the starting quarterback next season for the Bills? Why or why not? I hope so, because I really want him to be, but he really needs a lot of work, because he’s not doing it now.

With all of the changes being made to the team this winter, what are your predictions for next season? I think that we’ll do better next year, but I hope we can keep Eric Moulds, and I really think that [hiring] Marv Levy will improve the team.