Lofton80

Rumor is that Heimerdinger will return to Denver and be the OC for Shanahan replacing Kubiak.

Absolutely agree, Milloy misses way too many tackles

Donnie Henderson, Mooch, Fassel, Wade, Martz, AL Saunders, Haslett all would excite me more than Jauron.

I like the fact that Sherman had an offense that was balanced and threw the ball down the field. Sherman is an offensive coach who let good defensive coordinators like Donatell and Bates run the show in GB. Jauron had a reputation for conservative ball control offenses. Do a web search on Dick Jauron conservative and you get dozens of hits. Jauron is a defensive coach who let lousy offensive coordinators like John Shoop run his offense in Chicago. For insight look at linked article for who Jauron also interviewed when he hired Shoop in Chicago; familiar retreads Trestman and Joe Pendry. http://archive.sportingnews.com/nfl/articl...0/286661-p.html Sherman is the better choice

Levy on Jauron from Chicago Sun Times article in 2000 "It's a tough profession. It's hard to think how many coaches have not succeeded because they didn't have the right personnel and all the various things that go into it." Jauron is a lot like Levy. He can't turn James Allen into Edgerrin James or Walt Harris into Deion Sanders. But give him a Bruce Smith, a Thurman Thomas, an Andre Reed and a Jim Kelly, and he'll know what to do with them. "Marv and coach Jauron are very similar coaches," said Bears cornerback Thomas Smith, who played for Levy on the Bills for five seasons. "They delegate authority, but you know they're the captain of the ship. "They're both very insightful and intellectual coaches. Marv was an English major. He would come up with a story in a minute. Coach Jauron is the same way. He can tell you a story that makes you relate to the game of football and the game of life." It shouldn't surprise anyone, then, that Levy is a big believer in Jauron. Levy tried to hire Jauron as the Bills' defensive coordinator in 1995, but Jauron already had committed to the Jacksonville Jaguars. http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_...22/ai_n13888097 "I have great regard for him," Levy said. "He's bright. He's a good teacher. I think he's staying poised. I think he's wise by not coming apart. I can think of other coaches who come apart when they've lost. It's tough when you're going with a very young quarterback, even though he has a lot of promise. He doesn't have a great cast. But it takes some time to develop them."

Jauron is not at the level of Sherman. His coordinators in Chicago were John Shoop, Gary Crowton and Greg Blatche all of whom like Jauron had little success in their careers other than the 13-3 season. He will come cheap though which works for RW. I say Sherman.

Looks like the NO center is going to be expensive but worth the coin. John McClain had a reference to him in Sunday's Houston Chronicle. Gotta like the description of fercious and nasty run blocker. "Although potential free agents haven't gotten much attention because of the playoffs, one to keep an eye on is New Orleans offensive lineman LeCharles Bentley, who can play center of guard. The Saints can franchise Bentley, which is rare for a player at his position, but he is a rare player — a ferocious, nasty run blocker and pass protector whose versatility will make him a valuable commodity if he reaches the open market. Agents Neil Schwartz and Jonathan Feinsod are expected to hit the mother lode for Bentley if the Saints don't tag him". http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports...n/3587895.htmls

Dead on Ramius I had the same observation. Pittsburgh employed the same strategy Wade Phillips did for SD. Same results. Merriman had a field day vs Indy. All I can figure is Indy must have said SD game meant nothing and they had an off day. Also agree with Buzzbait's comments about the playcalling. Pittsburgh was changing up in the first half at times dropping 8-9 guys daring Manning to run the ball which he never really did until the end of the second quarter when they went 96 yards featuring the run, settlling for 3. A couple of times, they sacked Manning early making it second and long creating passing situations, then they sent the house at him. I think Pittsburgh simply out coached Indy.

Wayne is excellant. Big body, catches everything with his hands not body. I think he is a #1 all day but will he leave Indy? My hunch is he will as they cannot afford everyone.

Liked Ralph's subtle shot at Sullivan this morning. Pretty obvious Ralph read Sullivan's column today with his opening comment about being a vaudeville act. Sully suggested Ralph was turning the media room at the stadium into his own personal comedy club. The old man is not totally out of it.

One telecast of the Colts this year indicated that Bill Walsh had suggested that Tom Moore would be a great head coaching candidate. Meets our age criteria. Walsh and Levy have known each other for 50 years so it is not an impossibility.

Amazing the perceptions that change over a year's time. I remember the atmosphere surrounding this team before we played Pittsburgh in the finale last season. No one wanted to play Buffalo was the phrase we all heard. It fell apart like a house of cards after that loss. While Moorman was our only Pro Bowler this season, I don't think the team does not have talent. London Fletcher and Takeo Spikes (assuming better health) are premier LB's in the league. McGee and yes the beleagured Clements are Pro Bowl level most seasons. Aaron Schobel is pretty damn good for being the only pass rusher on the line. On offense, I imagine Moulds, Evans and McGahee are in the top 10-20 % of guys who play their position. Many good special teamers. The Oline is terrible but I bet a lot of teams would take Jason Peters. There is a core of good players here. A coach like Haslett may look at our roster and think, rebuild the lines like the Giants did last offseason and get a better run stopping safety and I can win here. We have 5 quality spots to pick in the draft and room under the cap. Only x factor in my opinion is the QB. We can shore up the weak spots in the other positions, QB is my concern.

I think the Bills have to follow NFL guidelines on hiring which requires some diverse candidates getting a look but should have a coach in a week. As for the Shrine game, Modrak is still in place as are scouts if a coach is not in place.

Pay will be a huge factor that will eliminate the Martz/Sherman/Fassel types. I could see Jerry Grey, Jim Johnson or Al Saunders or Teddy Cotrell coming cheap as first time coaches. Haslett might come at a discount as I doubt NO paid a lot. Second issue, would new coach be comfortable with Ralph getting more involved and Marv guiding him.

Sherman has good background, like that Ron Wolf hired him in GB. Has worked with Holmgren. Only thing that concerns me is #4 would not be coming with him.

Marv is hiring so I expect a veteran assistant or former HC along the lines of Jim Johnson or Al Saunders. A veteren coach would have the connections to build an experienced staff. Jim Fassel- QB guru, SB loser, media experience Jim Johnson- Seasoned, defensive exert, has connections Al Saunders- Coryell offense, Former HC Dick Jauron- Ivy Leaguer, had some success in first gig Tom Moore- Bill Walsh likes him, Marv and Walsh are friends Jim Haslett - Might be the guy, think he fired Bobby April in NO Wild cards: Mike Riley- Butler hired him in SD, never underestimate connection Jim Mora, Sr. - Marv like, successful, Polian hired him (see above)

Huh? Howie Long was a great football player. I have no doubt he belongs in the Hall of Fame. He was certainly better known for playing than the tv gig. He is not the even the main guy on the Fox pregame telative to Bradshaw and JB. Irvin was clearly the leader of the Cowboys during the SB run. The guy was automatic on third down and likely sacrificed some numbers in Dallas run oriented attack. He is not choirboy off the field but the guy was HOF caliber. TT is first ballot all the way.

He was a Dline coach for Marv. He was a frequent guest on the Paul Maguire Show during the glory years. Smerlas on the radio used to rave about Ted as his position coach.

This is ridiculous. Grimm will be the Lions next head coach. This has been widely reported yet we sit here and trash his qualifications. I can only guess the Pittsburgh connection is the reason for the distress.

Hawk fits the description, just not sure he fills an immediate need. If FA is used to plug holes, I am all for Hawk or even Greenway of Iowa. He is supposed to be mean hitter as well. Two guys I like are Terna Nande of Miami OH 6'10228 Strong Safety prospect. Also like Manny Lawson of NC St who played opposite Mario Williams.

Maxie played in the 3-4 at NO under Mora Sr. and Capers. Atlanta he worked with Danatell who used 4-3 this year but used 3-4 at GB. Maybe they are looking at 3-4. Wonder how an Atlanta DB coach has a contact with Bills staff. I know Atlanta likes to cramp the line and send many blitzers which is too Gray like for my liking. Dolphins talk to Capers, we talk to Maxie. Seems like we are going cheap route.

I think he would welcome being cut and playing closer to Texas where he is closer to people who will coddle him. He has not shown to be a professional. His size makes him intriguing. His inability to react to a stunting defense makes him a liability. He almost always reaches rather than sliding his feet or flat picks the wrong guy to block.

Hunches: Would not be a surprise to see them take a run at Al Saunders assuming he does not get a HC job. He is seasoned which I believe Marv will encourage. Also, his offense is run based and wide open at same time. Too much to hope for I guess. Others: Charlie Joiner or James Lofton would not shock me as they are part of Marv's past and currently coaching.

Marv has presence. Very aware of the league. Very sharp, hardly a feeble old man. Called himself an 80 year old rookie. Will help Mularky with communications, he will not handle cap problems or numerical side of contract negotiations. Ralph Wilson - No timetable on how long Marv will be here. "As long as he wants" " "I hope he outlasts me" Marv said he used no agent and never had a length to his contracts with RW. OC and DC will be picked by MM. Ralph, Modrak & ML will also contribute to decision, Ralph said he wanted to meet OC and DC before they are hired. Free agents "as agressive as we can" Quoted George Allen "the future is now" RW asked Marv's advice, RW said why not you Marv? ML called back next day and accepted Ralph is "now comfortable" that MM will do a great job. RW said he detached his involvement over last 5 years leaving imput to one person for decisions. He will now be involved. Frankly RW looked and sounded pretty old.

A few comments Levy made after last year's Pro Bowl give insight to his regard for work ethic and character which I believe he will look for in players as GM. "A few players impressed me during the event. From the other sideline, the NFC's Shaun Alexander was amazing. Now I see why they love him in Seattle. On our side, Richard Seymour was impressive -- his work ethic and the way he comported himself left an impression on me. I developed a considerable regard for Ray Lewis. All I've ever seen from him, aside from his great play, is his dancing before the game. But I found out what a great work ethic he has and how team oriented he was. He wasn't just telling guys what to do, he really got inside the psyche of the other players and set a good example. And even in the Pro Bowl atmosphere, I was really amazed at Peyton Manning's immersion into what has to be done and studying for the game plan for the game. He's a tremendously detailed individual. Many players are like these two and have the personality and character the NFL expects its players to have".