Archives for January 2004

‘For his career, Shelton has 104 yards rushing and one touchdown, and 324 yards receiving and one touchdown. He also missed four games in the 2001 and 2002 seasons after the NFL suspended him for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy.’

‘Smith had spent the past two years with the Baltimore Ravens, mostly on the practice squad. Hicks has also played in NFL Europe, spending the 2003 season with the Amsterdam Admirals.’

‘The Bills announced that the team has signed fullback Daimon Shelton and offensive lineman Lawrence Smith.’

‘Q: How important was it to the defensive players that Jerry Gray was kept on board as defensive coordinator? AS: I’m glad that I know him and that he understands what I can do and vise versa with me and him. I’m glad they kept him because that’s the most important for me because I deal with him everyday. I understand his scheme and that’s the most important part, and we get along.’

‘Meanwhile, the Bills may try to lure former Cincinnati and Tampa Bay coach Sam Wyche out of retirement to work with quarterbacks. Wyche gave Mularkey his break into coaching in Tampa.’

‘Overall, Mularkey has retained five of former coach Gregg Wiliams’ 15 assistants but none on offense.’

‘Buffalo Bills general manager Tom Donahoe gets the Salesman of the Year award hands down for selling Mike Mularkey to Bills owner Ralph Wilson after the lousy year Mularkey and the Steelers’ offense had. Donahoe had better get it right with Mularkey. He already has blown one coaching hire, firing Gregg Williams after just three seasons. Wilson should fire Donahoe before he get the chance to hire a third head coach.’

‘New to the Buffalo Bills are tight ends coach Frank Verducci, offensive assistant Mike Miller and strength and conditioning coach Brad Roll. Verducci comes to Buffalo from Dallas in 2002, he didn’t coach last year; Millar arrives from Pittsburgh and Roll from Miami.’

‘The Giants have made several additions to their coaching staff under new head coach Tom Coughlin, most notably former Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride as their quarterbacks coach.’

‘That maintains the Bills’ average ticket price at approximately $41. According to figures published in 2003 by Team Marketing Report, that is the third lowest in the National Football League, behind Atlanta and Arizona. The TMR report said the average NFL ticket price in 2003 was $52.95.’

‘New head coach Mike Mularkey also added tight ends coach Frank Verducci, offensive assistant Mike Miller, and strength and conditioning coach Brad Roll.’

‘The Bills announced that the team has promoted strength and conditioning coordinator Rusty Jones and added three more assistants to the staff of head coach Mike Mularkey. Jones will have his duties and responsibilities expanded in the newly created position of Director of Physical Development.’

‘The Bills announced that the team’s ticket prices will not increase for the 2004 season.’

‘The Bills also are expected to add Brad Roll to their strength and conditioning staff, joining Rusty Jones. Roll has been assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Miami Dolphins.’

‘Tolbert spent last season coaching receivers for the Arizona Cardinals, his first NFL job after nine seasons at the college level.’