Archives for January 5, 2010

‘Semcken says the Jaguars and the Bills are at the top of the list because they play in small markets that tamp down their earning potential and because they have little hope of finding larger venues in their home regions.’

‘Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott has emerged as a candidate for the vacant head-coaching job with the Buffalo Bills.’

‘Saying “it’s time for me to move on,” April informed the Bills on Tuesday that he does not intend to return no matter who the next head coach is. April said his last day will be Friday, ending a six-year term during which the Bills special teams were among the NFL’s best.’

‘Knowing he will be in demand, April decided to inform the team he was leaving.’

‘Trade Marshawn Lynch’.

‘It was very nice to see the effort the Bills came out and gave the fans in the stadium, and at home watching. The game meant nothing to both teams, and the Bills came out, and gave their fans a great game. The weather was classic Buffalo weather with heavy snow, cold temperatures, and wind playing a factor.’

‘April, who had two years left on his deal with Buffalo, exercised a clause in his contract.’

‘”Alex (Van Pelt) had one of the toughest jobs being thrown into the offensive coordinator position right at the beginning of the season on short notice. But just the disappointment of not being able to contribute and help this team get to the playoffs, that’s what I signed on for to help this team and this city get back to the playoffs and get back to those days of the fans having something root for.”‘

‘O’Connell said Shpeley, 28, of Milton, Ont., has returned to her job in the Canadian auto industry but has incurred considerable medical bills over what he described as “permanent” injuries that she suffered but that he declined to describe.’

‘An Olean man passed out and collapsed on a snowbank, with his two children and a third child standing around him crying after Sunday’s Buffalo Bills game in Orchard Park, authorities said.’

‘That means that while all the coaches have at least one year remaining on their current contracts, they will not be bound to those contracts and are free to pursue other jobs. In other words, they are not being retained.’

‘”Winning would have revived me a little more,” Schobel admitted.’

‘I know we sound mean-spirited when calling for heads on a platter. Nobody roots for someone to get fired. But the NFL is entertainment and players and front-office types are extremely well paid. It’s an accountability business and after a decade of missing the playoffs, more than one or two people are finally being held accountable by owner Ralph Wilson.’

‘Like any defensive coach who interviews for the Bills’ job, Fewell will need to offer a good option for his offensive coordinator position. Buffalo has ranked among the bottom eight in the NFL on offense seven straight years. Fewell said after Sunday’s season-ending loss at Indianapolis that he spent time last summer preparing for a potential head-coaching interview with an NFL team.’

‘Harbaugh, 46, spent 14 years as an NFL quarterback. He’s made the big decisions under pressure and can be trusted to do the same on an NFL sideline. He’s a bright, passionate leader who learned under some of the best minds in the sport, including Bo Schembechler, Ted Marchibroda, Mike Ditka and Bill Walsh. His father, Jack, has coached football for more than 40 years.’