Archives for January 16, 2015

‘Bobby April III (linebackers), Karl Dunbar (defensive line), Tim McDonald (defensive backs), Jason Oszvart (strength and conditioning assistant), Eric Smith (special teams assistant), Tony Sparano Jr. (tight ends) and Jeff Weeks (assistant defensive line) were also hired by the Bills on Thursday.’

‘Thurman joins new Bills coach Rex Ryan, under whom Thurman was defensive coordinator for the New York Jets in 2013-14. Thurman also coached defensive backs for the Jets from 2009 to 2012.’

‘ April spent the past two seasons working with the Jets linebackers. Under April III’s guidance, Calvin Pace recorded his first career double-digit sack season in 2013 when he tallied 10 quarterback takedowns.’

‘Along with Thurman, seven other assistant will re-join Ryan with the Bills for the 2015 NFL season.’

‘Bobby April III, Karl Dunbar, Tim McDonald, Jason Oszvart, Eric Smith, Tony Sparano, Jr. and Jeff Weeks have been hired to the coaching staff as assistants.’

‘Thurman will enter his 16th year in the NFL coaching ranks in 2015 and third as a defensive coordinator. He served in the same capacity with the New York Jets from 2013-14 after coaching the defensive backs from 2009-12. While coordinator, he oversaw a defense that finished in the top five against the run in both years.’

‘”The thing I remember most was coming in when my dad was coaching with the Jets, and I was able to get to all the Buffalo Bill games when they would play, and how passionate those fans were, and it was just amazing,” said Rex. “And you always felt that, regardless of what the weather was like, or anything else, it was packed and those fans were so passionate about their team, and that’s another huge reason I am proud to be given this opportunity.”‘

‘”I think that we were fortunate that Russ (Brandon) and Doug (Whaley) had experience,” said Terry Pegula. “They sort of mobilized the team. I knew we needed a coach and it was, ‘Well, ok what do we do next?’ Well, these guys started the process. We had some lists. I talked to guys that I know in the league. We put the schedule together and flew around the country. All the way through it, it was a total four-person team that put it all together.”‘

‘The Buffalo Bills today announced that the team has signed DB Jonte Green and G Darryl Johnson as reserve/future signings.’

‘He added, “We’re going to pull this team all together. When you play the Buffalo Bills, you’re going to know that you’re playing a team, not just the 53 guys, but the coaches. The entire organization is going to be pulling that rope in the same direction."’

‘”We want the Buffalo Bills to be a nightmare to play against,” Pegula said. “So, that’s our objective. With the staff that Rex is building, and with his knowledge of the game, we’re going to be a tough team defensively, and, I know that Greg Roman used that word, nightmare, and I love it.”‘