Writers in recent years have aptly described Bills Chairman Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. as "the voice of reason" and "the conscience of the NFL" and his fortitude may be best illustrated by the fact that of the original eight AFL owners only Wilson has kept his team in its originating city. This point was one of those more obvious reasons from the Buffalo News selecting Wilson as the "Top Sports Figure" in Western New York in the past millennium.
Archives for January 16, 2003
Szabo on Bills’ list
‘Szabo, 59, was linebackers coach for Jacksonville the past nine seasons.’
Bills continue interviews
‘Meanwhile, according to broadcast reports in Buffalo, the Bills are interested in former Atlanta assistant Don Blackmon and former Seattle assistant Johnny Holland, as candidates for its linebackers opening.’
Page 2: Flag day
Jerry Rice acquired one of the few possible records he does not already own, most yards in postseason play — 2,132. Whom did he surpass? Thurman Thomas, who played seven years fewer than Rice. (You’ll hear the postseason yardage records, rarely discussed, mentioned a lot when Thomas is a first-ballot Hall of Fame entrant.)
Bills: The way we hear it…
The way we hear it, it would be more of a surprise if former Bengals head coach Dick LeBeau was not hired by the Bills than if he were hired at this point. LeBeau is a coach whom general manager Tom Donahoe has faith in from their days together in Pittsburgh, and Donahoe truly wants him on the staff. Since the Bills are looking to add more experience in the coaching ranks, LeBeau seems to be a perfect fit. Still, the Bills’ pursuit of the one-time Steelers defensive coordinator doesn’t mean Bills defensive coordinator Jerry Gray is on the outs. After Buffalo’s defense turned it up a notch down the stretch, Gray’s job may be safe – for now. But if the Bills hire LeBeau and make him the new LB coach or create a position for him, LeBeau could be in line to take over for Gray if the defense doesn’t show well right away next season.
Parcells hires Warhop to coach offensive line
Former Arizona Cardinal O-Line Coach Andy Warhop, thought to be sought by the Bills, has signed with Bill Parcells and the Dallas Cowboys.