Two Bills Drive

‘There is urgency to pull off a similar marketing coup this year. A new coach, a new general manager and the likely loss of several marquee players creates a significant challenge for those selling season tickets and luxury seating. Given the high expectations created by a decade of success, it’s difficult to believe that fans will pay premium prices to see a team that is not a threat to contend.’

‘Has anyone else wondered if Tom Donahoe has become the son Bills’ owner Ralph Wilson never had? I mean, in the course of just three weeks Donahoe got the keys to the whole franchise.’

‘"One of the selling points to Michael is Jim will be his mentor, his tutor. Some say Michael isn’t ready (for the NFL). Jim has already started working with him, looking at film," said Dan Kelly, who brought Vick to Buffalo to begin his preparation Jan. 17. "Having Jim tell him what we did for him, the things we provided for him, has really been helpful."’

‘Green Bay is the only NFL town that’s colder. Only two markets are smaller. Yet Buffalo is annually among the league’s box-office leaders.’

‘Nominating New York Giants offensive coordinator Sean Payton for head coach of the Buffalo Bills.’

‘I will have the personal honor of making the case for Wilson’s candidacy. It’s one of the easiest tasks I’ve ever had.’

‘With my personality and beliefs, I’m positive that the chemistry between Mr. Wilson and myself would not be conducive to winning. We would not be a match for success. . . . The people in the office that have worked with me over the years that know me well also know these words ring true."’

‘Only one former Bill has a chance for redemption a decade removed from the two words that pain Buffalo sports the most: Wide right.’

‘Washington Redskins Coach Marty Schottenheimer spoke to Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell yesterday but did not complete a deal for Cottrell to become the Redskins’ defensive coordinator. The two are scheduled to talk again today. Cottrell apparently can have the job to succeed Ray Rhodes if he wants it and if he and Schottenheimer are able to work out a few final details.’

‘The Bills, for whatever reason, seem to play better when Flutie is in the game. And if I’m the head coach, that’s the bottom line.’

‘Saunders will be joined on the Chiefs’ offensive staff by two of Gunther Cunningham’s assistants, tight-ends coach Keith Rowen and offensive-line coach Mike Solari, and two additions from the Buffalo Bills, wide-receivers coach Charlie Joiner and running-backs coach James Saxon.’

‘Schottenheimer said last night that if Cottrell abandons his pursuit of the Bills’ head coaching position, it is possible that he could hire Cottrell by this afternoon.’

‘The job is now considered to be a two-man race between defensive coordinators Marvin Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens and John Fox of the New York Giants.’

‘[Donahoe] has told friends there that his choice of a new Bills coach would most likely come down to which person interviews the best and whose philosophy is closest to his.’

‘Fox, who came to New York as Jim Fassel’s defensive coordinator in 1997, interviewed last winter for the Saints’ job that went to Jim Haslett.’