Archives for January 2006

‘”They were all outstanding coaches, every one of them,” Wilson said from his home in Detroit. “If it got any more thorough, I wouldn’t be around. I had to come home and rest.”‘

‘Credit Wilson for casting a wide net in his search for Mularkey’s replacement. Today, we’ll find out how much of a risk-taker he remains.’

‘Mularkey agreed to a three-year contract that will pay him approximately $1 million per season, although the Dolphins don’t expect Mularkey to be with the team more than a year or two before getting another chance to be a head coach.’

Although his offense ranked 25th and 28th in his two seasons with the Bills, Mularkey was regarded as one of the top offensive coordinators while with Pittsburgh from 2001 to 2003.’

‘”Inventive? Oh, yes,” said offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, who followed Mularkey as tight ends coach and then coordinator. “You’ll see some of the plays he comes up with. He did some things that were, let’s say, not normal.”‘

‘”(With the Bills), he instilled in his players a sense of belief in his system and those leadership skills will serve him well in his new role.”‘

‘As a coordinator, he was known for using two-tight end, power-running sets, taking shots down the field and being able to develop quarterbacks.’

‘”I am looking forward to returning to South Florida and joining the Dolphins,” Mularkey said. “I want to thank Coach Saban for this opportunity. Having faced Miami twice last year, I saw for myself how well-balanced their offense was and the progress they made during the course of the season. I’m looking forward to working with Coach Saban, his staff and the Dolphins players to help continue that improvement this year.”‘

‘Levy worked as a Bears’ broadcaster during Jauron’s tenure with the team from 1999-2003. Jauron was the NFL Coach of the Year in 2001, guiding the Bears to a 13-3 record and a division title. But they were 22-43 in his four other years as coach.’

‘It’s no surprise that the Bills have opted for Jauron; this was a process under way the past week.’

‘Jauron compiled a 35-46 record in five seasons with the Chicago Bears, and was named NFL Coach of the Year in 2001. The past two seasons, Jauron served as the Detroit Lions defensive coordinator, and finished the 2005 season as the team’s interim coach.’

‘Mike Mularkey will get to face his former team twice next season.’

‘A person with direct knowledge of the decision told the AP that Jauron arrived to finish up some details on his contract.’

Mularkey was scheduled to spend Friday at the Dolphins training facility, meeting with Miami head coach Nick Saban. Hiring Mularkey would be a boon for both sides. The Dolphins would be getting one of the top available offensive minds, and Mularkey would be getting a job in which he would be, essentially, the offensive head coach.

‘Former Bear’s head coach and Lion’s interim coach Dick Jauron arrived in Buffalo about 3 Sunday afternoon. Jauron was accompanied by his wife and told WGR Sportsradio 550,”it’s great to be here.”‘