Archives for January 5, 2004

‘SportsLine.com has learned ex-Giants coach Jim Fassel is scheduled to interview for the Bills opening Tuesday. Fassel is the strongest name yet to be linked with the vacancy and marks the third team he will have interviewed for a job since being dismissed from the Giants.’

Odds are the Buffalo Bills won’t name their next head coach until next month, after the National Football League playoffs are completed and there’s a full list of assistant coaches available to complement the ex-head coaches already on the market. Which leaves us plenty of time for speculation. First, let’s put the kibosh on one of the more popular names floating around. Not Jim Haslett — he’s not even worth discussing, as both he and New Orleans Saints management confirmed last week that there’s no out clause in his contract that would allow him to return to the team he played for in the 1970s and ’80s. The subject here is Jim Fassel, recently dispatched after six years at the helm of the New York Giants. He’s already interviewed with the Washington Redskins, and is reportedly being wooed by the Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders as well. Which raises one question. Did the management of any of those teams watch the Giants play during the second half of the season?’

‘Former Giants coach Jim Fassel will meet with the Bills on Tuesday.’

‘Jauron has previous ties to Buffalo, having coached the Bills’ secondary in his first pro job in 1985 under Hank Bullough.’

‘According to a source familiar with the talks, Weis’s interview with Bills president and general manager Tom Donahoe in the Boston area was a smashing success. Weis was described as “very impressive” and “well-prepared.” Weis obviously has knowledge of Donahoe’s biggest problem: how to fix the offense and quarterback Drew Bledsoe.’

‘The possibilities: Reports say Dick Jauron, Tom Coughlin and Fassel are scheduled to be interviewed [by the Bills] this week. They made contact with Fassel on Saturday. The Bills, seeking an offensive rejuvenation, also talked to Crennel, Smith and Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis. GM Tom Donahoe has identified head-coaching experience as a big factor.

The favorite: Coughlin. He may have his choice between the Giants and the Bills.

The sleeper: Jauron. Nobody should downplay his stellar reputation outside Chicago.’

Fassel, believed to top the wish lists of the Washington Redskins and Arizona Cardinals, also will meet with the Buffalo Bills, who are rumored to be making a big push for his services. A league source said the Bills already were discussing an offer and Fassel was close to a deal.

‘The Dolphins have also spoken with Buffalo Assistant General Manager Tom Modrak and remain optimistic about scheduling an interview this week. An NFL source said Sunday that Modrak was mulling over whether he wanted to pursue the job after his conversation with management.’

‘If you believe the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bills know who they want as their next head coach.’