Two Bills Drive

‘Firing Sheppard is a clear sign that the pressure has intensified at One Bills Drive, a recognition by Williams that his own job and reputation are on the line.’

‘Buffalo’s offense ranked 13th out of 31 National Football League teams with 321.1 yards a game this season, but the team scored only 16.6 points a game, fifth-worst in the league.’

‘"We needed to win this year, that’s how I look at it," said Williams, who is believed to have a three-year contract. "I’m going to coach in this league. The issue is how do we get better next year and that’s what I’m addressing right now."’

‘Of course, a new dynamic is at work. Now that Mike Sheppard has been fired as offensive coordinator, depending on who his replacement is — possibly Kevin Gilbride — the Bills might try harder to re-sign Johnson to a new deal. Donahoe did not give an indication that talks were going smoothly.’

‘Imagine how much better Sheppard’s unit might have fared with a healthier and better offensive line. Or with a quarterback capable of the quick-thinking and adjustments necessary to successfully run a West Coast offense and isn’t on pace to break every negative sack record in league history. Or with veteran Antowain Smith instead of rookie Travis Henry as the designated heavy-duty running back.’

The Toronto Sun reports Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL) DT Demetrious Maxie is reportedly close to signing a two-year contract with the Buffalo Bills. Although Maxie recently told the Regina Leader-Post he hopes to re-sign with Saskatchewan, a CFL source said Thursday that he is expected to join an NFL team. Demetrious Maxie was signed by a NFL team last year but failed to make the team and returned to the Roughriders.

Hicks (6-7, 324) surprised the coaches with his speed and mobility in workouts. He started 23 games for the Bills in 1999-2000, then was hurt coming into camp last year and was cut early by the new staff. He went to the Lions and was cut two weeks later. Hicks admits he “was still a Buffalo Bill at heart” when he went to the Lions and didn’t perform the way he should have. He now says he’s over the heartbreak and is eager to show the league he can still play. The Texans believe he has a good chance to show it with them.

It’s funny, with winning coaches such as Tony Dungy and Schottenheimer getting jobs, that no one seems to be moving on Wade Phillips, who took the Bills to back-to-back playoff appearances. Phillips is a close friend with Chargers GM John Butler, but the Chargers are expected to wrap up some kind of deal with Schottenheimer over the weekend.

ESPN.com has learned that Reeves met with former Washington Redskins defensive coordinator Kurt Schottenheimer early this week. In addition, he discussed the job with Wade Phillips, most recently head coach of the Buffalo Bills, and a man who worked as Reeves’ defensive coordinator in Denver and who succeeded him as head coach of the Broncos in 1993.

Full list of expansion players (except final four playoff teams) has been released. QB Rob Johnson at $11,225,250 is the largest 2002 cap cost. Other ex-Bills players exposed include:

CB Jeff Burris ($6,583,000),

Safety Kurt Schulz ($2,100,000),

Guard Glenn Parker ($1,663,357)

Despite an attack that statistically ranked 13th in the league, the Buffalo Bills on Friday dismissed offensive coordinator Mike Sheppard after only one season, feeling his philosophies did not jibe well with what head coach Gregg Williams had in mind.

‘"I just thought we needed to see if there was someone else out there who could improve the offense," Williams said.’

‘Donahoe on Friday downplayed the significance of the quarterback’s availability in expansion. "It doesn’t really signify anything other than the fact that he’s on the list. I can’t violate the confidences of what I said with the players. Some players weren’t happy, but I can’t expect them to be thrilled. A large percentage won’t get picked and will come back to the teams that put them on the list."’

Rob Johnson, John Fina, Ken Irvin, Raion Hill, Avion Black were placed on the expansion list.

‘Sheppard was hired by head coach Gregg Williams last February. He spent the previous two years as quarterbacks coach in Seattle.’