ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Rex Ryan is out as Buffalo Bills head coach, the franchise announced Tuesday, making rumors that had swirled for weeks official. Assistant head coach and Rex's brother, Rob Ryan, has also been fired.

Offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn has been named interim head coach for the season finale vs. the New York Jets.

The Bills released a statement with two paragraphs from owner Terry Pegula:

“I spoke with Rex earlier today and we mutually agreed that the time to part ways is now. These decisions are never easy. I want to take this opportunity to thank Rex for all his efforts and wish him all the best moving forward.”

“Kim and I and our entire Bills organization share in the same disappointment and frustration as our fans, but we remain committed to our goal of bringing a championship to Western New York.”

Ryan was 15-16 in two seasons as Bills' head coach. Long lauded as a defensive genius, Ryan's Bills teams seemed to get worse on defense as the seasons went along. This past season, the Bills allowed three 200-yard rushers.

The breaking point was a 34-31 overtime loss at home this past Saturday to the Miami Dolphins, a game where the Bills roared to life on offense and came back to take the lead with less than two minutes to go. Questionable coaching decisions all game long coupled with poor tackling proved too much and the Bills' slim playoff hopes were officially eliminated.

There are now reports of the Bills benching starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor in favor of backup quarterback EJ Manuel.