Archives for January 25, 2006

‘NFL sources have confirmed that Jerry Gray will not return to the sidelines for Buffalo in 2006.’

‘The Bills today announced the hiring of offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild.’

‘In 2001, Brandon was named one of Street and Smith’s SportsBusiness Journal’s top 40 executives under 40.’

‘He will work closely with Bills General Manager/Football Operations Marv Levy and Head Coach Dick Jauron and take on an increased focus in contract negotiations and salary cap management. Overdorf will also serve as a vital element in the Bills pursuit of free agents.’

‘"During his tenure here with the organization Russ has not only brought great vision to the marketing of the organization he has also developed and fostered the trust of the business community. His hard work and relationship skills have helped us develop a strong base of strategic business and community partners," said Bills Owner/President Ralph Wilson. "In his new role, Russ will continue to develop and foster programs that help us connect with our fans and partners."’

‘In his new role, Overdorf will oversee all aspects of football administration. He will work closely with Bills General Manager Marv Levy and Head Coach Dick Jauron and take on an increased focus in contract negotiations and salary cap management. Overdorf will also serve as a vital element in the Bills pursuit of free agents.’

‘He hasn’t changed. As a coach, he prefers to do his teaching, and his coaching, as quietly and as effectively as possible and let his players get the credit. Good for him. Here’s hoping his way succeeds in Buffalo. He deserves this shot.’

‘"We’re very grateful for all of the support we get from McDonald’s and their customers," said Sally Vincent, Executive Director of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western New York. "And it was particularly exciting for us to participate in a promotion involving the Bills, too."’

‘Kollar is known as an excellent teacher. He helped develop Rams defensive end Leonard Little into one of the NFL’s top pass rushers and also worked with former Rams defensive ends Grant Wistrom and Bryce Fisher, who now star for the Super Bowl-bound Seattle Seahawks. In Atlanta, Kollar’s defensive line helped the Falcons hold opponents to a team-record 75 yards rushing per game in 1998. That team won the NFC championship and advanced to Super Bowl XXXIII.’

‘Lower sidelines $47.’

‘The jump in prices varies from $1 to $4 per seat for season tickets at Ralph Wilson Stadium with a price reduction for one end zone section of $3 per seat. The Bills said their 2005 ticket prices, at an average of more than $44 per game, were 39 percent below the National Football League average of $62.29 per seat.’

‘Prior to the 2005 season, the Seahawks lost their president, vice president for football operations and scouting director. Coach Mike Holmgren was thought to be on the hot seat. Sounds somewhat similar to what’s going on here in Western New York.’

‘After hiring a star defensive coordinator (Gregg Williams) and a star offensive coordinator (Mike Mularkey), the Bills picked someone with previous NFL coaching experience. Not that it was good coaching experience.’

‘It’s time to speculate on the rest of Jauron’s staff. Former New York Jets defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson was served up by a downstate newspaper even though Jerry Gray hasn’t been officially evicted. Then there’s Greg Olson, Jauron’s offensive coordinator in his five game interim stint in Detroit last year. At least that job is officially vacant.’

‘Kollar played defensive line for eight seasons with Cincinnati and Tampa Bay.’