Archives for January 22, 2001

‘"No, I’m not totally done here," Cottrell said, regarding staying in Buffalo. "That’s still a possibility too. I talked to Tom and I’m not out of it yet."’

‘"It doesn’t diminish the great career he had. But as far as people’s consciousness and their memory of him, that [miss] probably screwed him over. "I know I’ll never forget him."’

‘Cottrell, a former Rutgers assistant, was said to be very impressive during his interview last week for the club’s head coaching post, a job that went to Herman Edwards.’

‘Cottrell has interviewed for head coaching as well as coordinating positions, and an NFL source said he remains "very viable" to fill the Buffalo head-coaching vacancy.’

‘Washington Redskins Coach Marty Schottenheimer continued his discussions with Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell yesterday without reaching a resolution, and the New York Jets entered the chase to hire Cottrell as defensive coordinator.’

‘There is urgency to pull off a similar marketing coup this year. A new coach, a new general manager and the likely loss of several marquee players creates a significant challenge for those selling season tickets and luxury seating. Given the high expectations created by a decade of success, it’s difficult to believe that fans will pay premium prices to see a team that is not a threat to contend.’

‘Has anyone else wondered if Tom Donahoe has become the son Bills’ owner Ralph Wilson never had? I mean, in the course of just three weeks Donahoe got the keys to the whole franchise.’

‘"One of the selling points to Michael is Jim will be his mentor, his tutor. Some say Michael isn’t ready (for the NFL). Jim has already started working with him, looking at film," said Dan Kelly, who brought Vick to Buffalo to begin his preparation Jan. 17. "Having Jim tell him what we did for him, the things we provided for him, has really been helpful."’

‘Green Bay is the only NFL town that’s colder. Only two markets are smaller. Yet Buffalo is annually among the league’s box-office leaders.’

‘Nominating New York Giants offensive coordinator Sean Payton for head coach of the Buffalo Bills.’