Archives for January 2006

‘”With Marv’s contacts around the league and conversations we have on a weekly basis with people around the league, it’s pretty easy to keep your pulse on what’s going on in the league,” said Tasker, who works as a NFL color commentator for CBS and did preseason Bills games with Levy. “I don’t think it’s going to be a problem with him stepping in and helping out immediately.”‘

‘The biggest complaint from fans Thursday was the retention of head coach Mike Mularkey. “I do not have any faith in Mularkey whatsoever,” said David P. Fiut, 52, a computer programmer from Lackawanna. “I think [his coming back] will undermine the whole plan. Basically, I think he’s a lame duck.”‘

‘”We all have a great deal of affection for him and even at the most basic level I think this organization is better with him than without him. He has a great mind, he has a lot to contribute, he has a lot of energy, and I know he has a great deal of expertise and integrity.”‘

‘Out with the new; in with the old.’

‘”I hope I act his age when I’m his age,” said Steve Tasker, one of Levy’s former players.’

‘”I’m the general manager/director of football operations, and I’m savoring that role,” Levy said. “I’m looking forward to working primarily with (coach) Mike Mularkey and his coaching staff and with the people in the personnel department … areas that relate to football.”‘

‘”I’m happy to see Marv Levy back. That’s obviously a name from the past and he did a great job when he was here,” he said. “I think his success will carry over and kind of resonate through the team. I saw him speak a moth ago. He’s still as sharp as a tack.”‘

‘”They say two things happen when you get older,” Levy said. “One is that you forget things. And I can’t remember what the other one is.”‘

‘He told a story of lying about his age being 58 instead of 61 when the Bills first hired him in 1986, so not to raise concerns he might be too old for the job. And when asked why he thought he had the stamina and mental acuity to be general manager at age 80, he deadpanned back in a slow voice, “Would you repeat that please?”‘

‘By repatriating Levy, although not to the sidelines, where head coach Mike Mularkey remains by the skin of his teeth, Wilson has taken huge strides towards recapturing the hearts of a fan base, put off by an arrogant, secretive front office and six non-playoff years.’

‘They bought into the basic principles of what he wanted from his team: Don’t be dumb, don’t be dirty. Let what you do speak so loud, no one needs to hear what you say. When it’s too tough for them, it’s just right for us. He set a team-first tone not only for the players, but for the entire Bills organization.’

‘”We’re bringing Marv back so that he can bring stability to the Buffalo Bills which I’m sure he can,” said Wilson. “Inject some stability to the organization, bring everybody together, is what we need here.”‘

‘He will oversee the organization’s football-related decisions, reporting to Wilson.’

‘Offensive coordinator Tom Clements also was fired, his agent, Gary O’Hagan, told The Associated Press.’

‘Several other defensive coaches will not return, including defensive line coach Tim Krumrie, who spent three seasons with the Bills. Linebackers coach Don Blackmon and defensive backs coach Steve Szabo are also out.’