Two Bills Drive

‘Sheppard was non-committal about the Bills’ quarterback situation. "I think Gregg’s on record as saying when we get everybody together, we’ll evaluate it, then we’ll call the quarterbacks in and make a good decision for the Bills," he said.’

‘When asked if he could envision a scenario where both quarterbacks remain, Sheppard seemed pessimistic. "The organization has come out and (General Manager) Tom Donahoe stated that we have to make a decision," he said.’

‘"Just the chance to coordinate and run it and do it yourself is always something that appeals to you," Sheppard said. "Once you learn this offense from Mike (Holmgren, Seahawks coach), you can’t wait to get out and dabble in it yourself."’

‘Mike Sheppard knows about quarterback controversies. So he should feel right at home with the Buffalo Bills.’

‘Middle Tennessee State defensive coordinator Miles Aldridge could be the Bills’ next linebackers coach. Aldridge is hopeful and is waiting to hear from Bills coach Gregg Williams. He has not formally met with Williams, but he has spent time with him while Williams was the defensive coordinator for the Titans the past four seasons.’

Len Pasquarelli’s analysis of Williams’ hiring skills. ‘In this age of free agency, and at a time when league head coaches are being stretched in several directions and must master the art of delegating to ensure success, a solid staff is more essential than ever before. No matter the lineage of the man on the coaching throne, he had better surround himself with loyal and committed courtiers or his reign will be a short one.’

‘Sheppard was the offensive coordinator under Kevin Gilbride in San Diego before joining the Seahawks, and has also worked on the Baltimore and Cleveland coaching staffs.’

‘Sheppard, 49, has spent eight years as an NFL assistant. Before joining Seattle two years ago, he was offensive coordinator for the San Diego Chargers in 1997 and 1998. He also was an assistant with Baltimore and Cleveland.’

‘New Bills head coach Gregg Williams wasted no time beginning to piece together his coaching staff, as he has agreed to terms with former Seattle Seahawks quarterbacks coach Mike Sheppard as Buffalo’s new offensive coordinator Tuesday.’

As posted on the Stadium Wall message board: ‘WGR55 has just reported that John Fina, Ruben Brown, and Ken Irvin have all agreed to restructure their contracts, freeing up over 3 Million in Cap $ money.’

‘I was just listening to 107.7 Sports Authority. Mike Sheppard is the Buffalo Bills new Offensive Coordinator. He was Seattle’s QB coach.’

‘Boston Globe columnist Ron Borges salivates at the prospect of getting stronger by scavenging the carcasses of AFC East rivals – signing their UFAs.’

‘Shout! has caught whiff of a rumor on Gregg Williams’ LBs coach choice: Miles Aldridge, defensive coordinator for Middle Tennessee State.’

‘Bills president and general manager Tom Donahoe never imagined the Bills’ salary cap problems could be this bad. Some U.S. government officials are even comparing Buffalo’s cap to the gross mismanagement of Social Security.’

‘According to a TBD-friendly source, Mike Sheppard and Joe Ferguson are almost in as new coaches at One Bills Drive. While anything can happen to torpedo any candidate, this selection process is very close to be being over. (This same source reported that Gregg Williams was our leading candidate and that the announcement would come on Friday, many hours before the national and local media reports were even suggesting that Williams had emerged as our lead candidate.)’