Archives for January 13, 2006

‘A lesser-touted, dark-horse possibility in this state of affairs is perhaps somewhat of a conspiracy theory. Wilson was probably not too pleased with Mularkey’s performance in 2005, but seeing that the much-maligned coach had three years left on his contract, couldn’t fire him. Thus, Wilson may have done everything in his power to force Mularkey out so as to avoid paying his salary. It’s certainly a long-shot possibility but I wouldn’t put it past the frugal 87-year old owner.’

‘"I was completely surprised by his statement. He seemed very firm about it," Wilson said. "Now we’re going to go forward and look for a new head coach."’

‘It also was a surprise because Mularkey is walking away from the final three years of a contract that was going to pay him about $1 million a year. Mularkey would have been paid the money if he had been fired. By resigning, he forfeits it.’

‘Sources within the team said Mularkey was not confident he was going to be able to succeed and get the kind of organizational support he believed he had under former boss Tom Donahoe. “This is not the position he was hired into,” a source close to Mularkey said.’

‘He was a weakened leader, a mediocre coach whose position had been compromised even further by the Bills’ incompetent, bumbling owner.’

‘The Bills would not respond to the reports of Mularkey’s resignation, only confirming a news conference Friday at 11 a.m.’

‘It’s believed Mularkey developed misgivings about the club’s top decision makers living around the country and not in Buffalo year-round. Wilson lives in Detroit, along with some top financial aides, and assistant general manager Tom Modrak, who handles player personnel, makes his home in the Jacksonville, Fla., area. Mularkey was also concerned that he still did not have the authority to discipline players or have significant input in personnel matters.’

‘”Mularkey leaving the team at this time makes it sound like he doesn’t like working with Marv Levy.”‘

‘There are also questions of whether Mularkey was comfortable with being forced to fire five assistants — three of whom he hired, including offensive coordinator Tom Clements — and how much latitude he had in hiring their replacements.’

‘The Bills became the 10th NFL team that will have a new head coach on opening day in September.’

‘Mike Mularkey submitted his resignation to the Buffalo Bills on Thursday, a person familiar with discussions between the coach and the team told The Associated Press.’

‘Sources close to the situation indicate Mularkey actually made the decision Wednesday, and the team will make it official at an 11 a.m. ET press conference Friday. The leading candidate to replace him is ex-Saints coach Jim Haslett.’

‘A week after owner Ralph Wilson announced Mike Mularkey would return next season, the Buffalo Bills head coach is reportedly ready to resign.’

‘The Bills have scheduled a news conference for 11 a.m. EST on Friday.’

‘NFL sources tell 7News Sports Director John Murphy that Mularkey has said his goodbyes to staffers and is ready to resign just eight days after owner Ralph Wilson reaffirmed his support for the coach.’