Archives for January 18, 2004

Jauron also interviewed for the Buffalo Bills head coach opening early this month. He had been contacted by, but did not interview with, at least two other teams who needed to hire a defensive coordinator.

‘Try running on third-and-1. Try running on first down.’

‘“Then about three years ago we evolved into a no-huddle team that went with three wide receivers instead of two tight ends. We knew we needed a good center and Jeff Saturday is another Kent Hull. They’re the same guy. Getting Troy Walter last year and Brandon Stokley this year gives us good people in the slot and that let us move Reggie Wayne to the outside where he’s better suited.”’

””Buffalo was a very fast-paced offence. A lot of times there were 20 or 18 seconds left on the (play) clock when the ball was snapped, so there was a much higher urgency to get the (defensive play) call in, get lined up and be ready to go. It was a two-minute type of pace. “There is a lot more play-action, a lot more variety in the Colts’ offensive system,” the coach of the year went on. “They do use some substitution and they do use different personnel groups. Looking back at Buffalo, they were more of a one-group, one-formation, hurry-up-and-run-the-plays kind. They put pressure on you defensively that way.”’

‘He is low-key, gentlemanly and smart, a person who earned dual degrees in kinesiology and sociology. What’s more, he is even-tempered, like Noll, rarely losing composure and almost never showing any emotion. That, though, is veneer for what burns inside, a fire that fuels a mental toughness that exemplified his playing career.’

‘Jerry Gray certainly saw some urgency. He wanted to go back to the school where he played, and he had some credentials. He was the Bills’ defensive coordinator last season, and only the Cowboys’ defense ranked higher. There was some irony; a few Aggies propped up the Buffalo defense. But Gray seemed an ideal hire for Texas. Smart, young, experienced, orange-blooded. As for Gray’s skin color: If not for social change, why not for recruiting? But Brown showed little interest, and last week it became official. Gray will remain in Buffalo as the Bills’ defensive coordinator. Brown likely saw Gray’s background as less collegiate than pro. But there are also hints that Brown viewed Gray as a threat, and for a reason. Gray’s goal is to someday be the head coach at Texas.’