Two Bills Drive

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.)’

‘Seattle Seahawks assistant coach Mike Sheppard has surfaced as a leading candidate to become offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills. The Bills received permission Monday to speak with Sheppard about their top offensive job under new coach Gregg Williams. The process could gain speed beginning today.’

Mike Fondacaro was kind enough to pass this article along. Thanks Mike! Keep them coming… This piece reads like major damage control for Marvin Lewis. The more days that pass, the less outraged his entourage is and the more they claim it was was Lewis who turned down the Bills. Whatever Marvin…

Our friends at kffl.com posted this tidbit early this morning: ‘ESPN reports Gregg Williams called the Seattle Seahawks to request permission to speak to their QBs coach Mike Sheppard about the offensive coordinator job. Seattle coach Mike Holmgren is due back from vacation Tuesday and he is expected to grant that permission.’

‘In order to find salary- cap room to keep Moulds from becoming a free agent, the Bills have asked veteran stalwart defensive linemen Ted Washington and Phil Hansen to take pay cuts, said Angelo Wright, Washington’s agent. Both players have refused, which may factor into their possible release.’

‘Ted Cottrell, who had even more reason to be disappointed about not becoming Buffalo’s head coach than Lewis, said he felt he was treated fairly. That should carry more weight than what Lewis and his agent think.’