Two Bills Drive

Forget the high priced players. Look at the 2nd teer agents such as Avion Black of Buffalo, a potentially solid kick-return man.

And don’t forget about defensive backs such as Chris Hayes of the New York Jets, Tampa Bay’s Eric Vance and Raion Hill of the Bills, all good cover men on the punt and kickoff teams.

‘"When the opportunity comes, I’ll take it,” Maxie said from Norwalk, Calif. "Money’s the big thing because I have a family (with two kids) to look after. It’s even more important now because of the Canadian dollar — when you bring that money home to the States it doesn’t amount to very much."’

Gregg Williams speaks on letting of OC Sheppard go, that it was his decision and that he will be looking at the best offensive system to fit the players.

Tom Donahoe talks about expansion list (instructed to not say anything until Friday but due to links started notifying players on Tuesday. Bills have spoken to all the players on the list.

Now that the Bills have fired offensive coordinator Mike Sheppard, expect Kevin Gilbride to emerge as the lead candidate for the job. Gilbride was supposed to get back to the New Orleans Saints about their QB coaching opening. He told the Saints that he had heard from another team this week. That team very well may have been the Bills. Gilbride also interviewed for the Vikings’ offensive coordinator position.

And Modok may stay in Buffalo because no GM positions opened for him.

‘"Mike Sheppard is a quality person and a super individual. He’s very organized, very detailed. But this business is about, you know, prove it, and handling the whole offense. I need to make a move and take a look at another person out there."’

‘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.