Archives for January 2004

‘Coughlin was to interview former Bills coach Gregg Williams tomorrow and probably would have hired him, but Joe Gibbs’ Redskins signed Williams yesterday.’

‘”I just think that obviously that’s what the Redskins wanted to do and they felt they wanted to pull the trigger at that point on the coach and the coordinator, and they did it,” Jets coach Herman Edwards said.’

‘The Jets interviewed Williams – fired last week as Buffalo’s head coach – last weekend and he appeared to be the leading candidate. But by waiting until interviewing all candidates before making a decision, the Jets allowed the Redskins and brand new coach Joe Gibbs to swoop in and get Williams.’

‘Crennel’s best shot figures to be with Chicago, because of his previous professional relationship with general manager Jerry Angelo, or Atlanta, where he has the admiration of new general manager Rich McKay. Weis is considered to be at or near the top of the list in Buffalo because of his offensive expertise, history with Drew Bledsoe, and the possibility of the Bills weakening a division rival.’

‘After a standout career at the University of Michigan, Collins was drafted by Buffalo in the second round, the 45th pick overall. In 1995 and 1996, he backed up Jim Kelly as the Bills twice made the playoffs, but his one year as a starter (1997) didn’t go so well because Buffalo finished 6-10. He has been with Kansas City since 1998, though strictly as a backup, now to Trent Green.’

‘“How can you not remember that play, it was their miracle. That was the wildest, most exciting game I’ve ever been a part of. It was in the playoffs and it came down to the very end. We were up and we figured we had the game won. Then you look up and see this guy running down the sidelines all free. One moment you’re up and the next moment you’re as low as you have ever been. I never want to get that feeling again.”’

‘Donahoe said Mularkey did well in the interview. “He has a good plan to be a head coach. We were impressed.”‘

‘Jones said the Dolphins haven’t heard back from Buffalo Assistant GM Tom Modrak, who was solicited last week for an interview.’

‘Before going 17-31 as Bills head coach over the past three seasons, Williams was considered a defensive mastermind for the Tennessee Titans. In 2000, the Baltimore Ravens — with Marvin Lewis as their defensive coordinator — set an NFL record for fewest points allowed. However, the Titans were actually the top-ranked defense that season, because of the fewest total yards allowed. Williams — who becomes Washington’s sixth defensive coordinator in six seasons — is known for an aggressive defense that uses various formations.’

‘Weis is thought to be among the strongest of candidates if Donahoe opts for a first-time head coach — something it is believed he’d rather not do given that the fired Gregg Williams fit that profile three years ago. If an experienced head coach is the choice, Jauron may have slipped ahead of Fassel in Donahoe’s view.’

‘Buffalo has never paid its head coaches well, but Donahoe indicated he won’t lose a good coaching candidate to money. If it’s Fassel, the Giants will pick up the difference between the $2.7 million he would’ve earned with them in 2004 and what he’ll make with his new club.’

‘Levy, who speaks with Bills owner Ralph Wilson a half dozen times a year socially, said he has never brought up the prospect of coaching his team again. “I’ve shied away from it,” Levy said. “I don’t feel that should be part of the conversation. I haven’t initiated that conversation.”‘

‘Speaking of statistics, the final numbers are in and it was ugly for the Bills in 2003, especially on offense. Buffalo dropped in 12 statistical offensive categories kept by the NFL, including total yards (12th to 30th), passing yards (fifth to 28th), third-down conversions (ninth to 28th), and points (11th to 30th). On the positive side, the Bills improved defensively in nine categories, including yards (14th to second), rushing yards (29th to eighth), sacks (21st to ninth) and points (27th to fifth).’

‘Mularkey said he’s impressed with the Bills organization. “The nucleus is there for a winner. The organization is very good. The owner (Ralph Wilson) has the support to give the coach, and so does Tom, so I think it’s just an ideal situation.”‘

‘As of 5:00 Wednesday, Krumrie was still in his Bills office working.’