‘Pittsburgh is a town where it seems every third person has some connection to ESPN’s Beano Cook…Tom Donahoe, who spent his entire life in Pittsburgh…is finding the same thing about Buffalo applies to him.’
BillsBeat - January 14, 2001
Beneath Donahoe's fancy suit, you'll find a blue collar
‘Already clear is that we’re going to like him. He’s honest. He’s funny. He’s humble. He has conviction. Donahoe fits in. The guy from Pittsburgh is one of us.’
Chargers hire Butler associate A.J. Smith
‘"We’ve kind of stuck together over the years," Smith said Saturday from his home near Buffalo. "We have the same philosophies and the same passion to win. Our contracts have always coincided so we wouldn’t be left one without the other. We enjoy working together."’
Phillips offers Texans winning record, Houston roots
‘"It’s good to be back home," Phillips said. "I’m proud that I’m a Texan and a Houstonian. Coming home certainly would have to be a big factor, but that’s not the only factor. It would have to be the right fit. In Texas, it’s not `fit like a glove,’ it’s fit like a boot — good boots, that is.’
Cottrell Checks In
‘Ted Cottrell is currently in a difficult position. But it’s a position that numerous assistant coaches in the National Football League would love to occupy.’
BillsBeat - January 13, 2001
Former Bills coach talks with Texans
‘"Ralph gave me some great opportunities that furthered my career. We won a lot of games there so I’m proud of what we did there and I think we will see each other at league meetings. "I know he feels like I did a good job for him."’
Chargers hire another ex-Bill
‘Bills owner Ralph Wilson initially denied the Chargers permission to talk to Smith, but Donahoe apparently saw no need to drag things out, since it was understood Smith was going to join Butler once his contract expired.’
The Last Word
‘Tom Donahoe said he’s ready to make the tough decisions that will take the Buffalo Bills to a level they haven’t seen before. We believe him.’
'WE WANT TO WIN' DONAHOE TAKES REINS WITH VOW TO PUT BILLS BACK IN PLAYOFF BUSINESS
‘"These people are used to winning. This is a football team that should have been in the playoffs this year. And we want to get it back on track and into the playoffs next year."’
Cottrell 'thrilled' to be in running for head job
‘"I do intend to interview Ted Cottrell," Donahoe said. "We’ll probably reach him this weekend and set something up for the first part of next week."’
Donahoe got Bills' faithful plenty excited
‘It wasn’t that he gave some fiery speech, but rather the way he made his case.’
Bills are short on answers
‘But through all the rampant optimism, there was a message of caution from owner Ralph Wilson. "We have a serious salary-cap problem," Wilson ventured. "I read where we had the fourth-highest total of signing bonuses handed out, $198.6 million (U.S.)."’
Butler brings Smith on board
‘"It’s a done deal, and I’m thrilled," Smith said last night from his home in Hamburg, N.Y. He grew up in Rhode Island and lived here when he was first married. "It’s been a wonderful 14 years in Buffalo, but it was time to move on."’
Jets Add Buffalo's Cottrell to List
‘He’s popular in Buffalo, where many of the defensive players have lobbied on his behalf for the head-coaching vacancy. But that appears to be a longshot.’
Donahoe takes charge
‘"My job is to make it work," Donahoe, the Bills’ new president and general manager, said yesterday at his introductory news conference at Ralph Wilson Stadium. "People will know I’m here."’