Archives for January 2004

‘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.’

‘Only three of the Bills’ head coaches can be considered great. Eight were failures. One – Wade Phillips – was somewhere in the middle.’

‘Incidentally, I’m expecting ex-Jacksonville coach Tom Coughlin to be the man. Why? Because Len Pasquarelli wrote it in ESPN.com. Besides being one of the most knowledgeable football writers in the business, Pasquarelli has been Donahoe’s pal since their high school days in Pittsburgh.’

‘1986-97 Marv Levy 123-78-0.’

‘Season-ticket sales are unlikely to increase significantly coming off a bitterly disappointing year, and there are two potential dogs on the home schedule.’

‘Williams would be a terrific fallback option for Edwards, a fan of his aggressive defensive style. Speaking of aggressive, Edwards didn’t waste any time on Williams. Although it was widely reported the interview wouldn’t occur until tomorrow, the two men actually met for several hours Friday at Weeb Ewbank Hall, according to an NFL source.’

‘Williams, 45, would be a good fit with his blitzing “46” defense that mixes coverages and disguises pass-rush schemes. Hiring him, however, might mean a departure from the zone-oriented “cover-2” system that Edwards espoused with Tampa Bay.’

‘Although Buffalo will interview several coordinators, club president Tom Donahoe went bust hiring Gregg Williams with no head coaching experience last time, so look for him to go with a proven commodity. That could be Jauron, who did a better job in Chicago than he got credit for, Coughlin or Jim Fassel.’

‘While Bledsoe is expected back, Ruben Brown’s days at Ralph Wilson Stadium are at an end, despite having been selected to the Pro Bowl for eight straight years. At odds with the coaching staff all year, Brown was told not to accompany the team to Foxboro for the final regular season game. Even though the staff is gone, Brown’s approach to the game this year is expected to result in his being let go before the start of the 2004 season.’