Archives for January 4, 2006

‘Mularkey expressed satisfaction with his relationship with owner Wilson. Wilson promised that whomever the new general manager is will not be second guessing or micro-managing Mularkey.’

‘Ralph Wilson wouldn’t directly answer questions about whether Marv Levy is returning to the team in a management capacity. And the Hall of Fame Coach isn’t talking either.’

‘Buffalo Bills’ President and Owner Ralph C. Wilson Jr. has held a second news conference to announce that his team will retain Mike Mularkey.’

‘"In Tom’s leaving it’s our feeling, and my feeling, that we need a fresh start," Wilson said. "There is going to be a restructuring with the Bills operation."’

‘"This is difficult for me because Tom and I are very good friends," said Wilson. "When Tom came here, at the start of this century when John Butler departed, he took over a franchise that was really in fiscal mess under the cap. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen any work as hard as Tom. He’s in the building at five in the morning and he takes scouting trips to colleges on Saturday’s during the fall to scout players for the team and then flies back to Buffalo in time for the game on Sunday. He’s really has worked very hard and I thank him for it."’

‘During his press conference today, Bills’ owner Ralph C. Wilson Jr. said that no final decision has been made on bring back the head coach.’

‘As for general manager, there has been speculation that Wilson would bring back Hall of Fame coach Marv Levy, who will be 81 this year, for that role. But Wilson would say only that he was talking to Levy as a consultant and that a general manager would not be named today.’

‘It is clear that assistant general manager Tom Modrak will not succeed Donahoe.’

‘Donahoe, the only executive to hold the president’s title in the franchise’s 46-year history, was dismissed after five seasons at the helm. Despite increasing the team’s ticket base, Donahoe’s ultimate failure was an inability to win enough games.’

‘The owner said there will be a restructuring of the team’s management — including a new general manager. Wilson noted he is retaking the title of president and plans to again be more involved in the decision-making process. Additional details on front office appointments will be announced in the next few days.’

A quick transcript is available for those that missed Mr. Wilson’s remarks."

‘Ralph Wilson has dimissed Tom Donahoe as President and General Manager of the Buffalo Bills. Mike Mularkey’s status is yet to be determined. Tom Modrak will stay on as Assistant General Manager and is not being considered as a candidate for the vancant GM position. Discuss these developments and others on The Stadium Wall!"

‘Mr. Wilson lauded Donahoe for his work ethic and his community involved, but stated that the team had not made enough progress over the last five years. However, Wilson said that he does not place the blame solely on the former GM. “If there are any bullets to be fired, I want you to fire them at me.”‘

‘After his run with the Bills and moments like these… (Levy singing), most fans like the idea of Levy’s return to Buffalo. Still, other fans aren’t so sure that Levy is the quick fix for the Bills deep rooted problems – some strong opinions there, and it seems they’ll only get stronger as the restructuring of the coaching staff and front office is set in stone.’

‘The biggest success of Donahoe’s tenure was his ability to acquire fan interest. As the team President, Donahoe sold out nearly every home game in four of his final five seasons, signed some notable free agents, and added revenue by having two different uniform-changing ceremonies. As of now, business has never been better at One Bills Drive and Donahoe should receive accolades for that.’