Archives for February 6, 2007

‘Kugler was an assistant head coach with Boise State last year, and previously spent five seasons with the Detroit Lions, where he worked with current Bills coach Dick Jauron. In Buffalo, Kugler fills the post vacated by Larry Zierlein, who was named the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line coach last week.’

‘Kugler also worked with Bills Head Coach Dick Jauron for two seasons in Detroit at the end of his five year stint with the Lions (2001-2005).’

‘"Sean is a very bright, hard working guy," said Jauron. "He has experience in the league and experience coaching in college. He’s a terrific person and addition to our staff. I think he’ll fit in well. It’s tremendous for us to get him with his talents and his ability."’

‘After my controversial disqualification last year in the Pro Bowl Skills challenge, I’m hopeful I can be part of the competition again this year.’

‘For one, the 13-year-old JumboTron is fading fast. Its image is starting to flicker, and repair parts are no longer available. In addition, the Buffalo Bills are not only enormously popular among Western New Yorkers, but their presence gives the area an unquantifiable boost in stature. And, of course, the county owns the stadium and it is contractually obligated to the Bills to maintain it, so there’s a legal requirement for the county to put money into this stadium.’

‘"For the first time in five years here I can honestly say it was fun," Wire said. "It’s a totally different makeup on the team now. I firmly believe this team is on the rise. I think we have a good core group of guys, and I think they’re going to bring in the right kind of guys. You have to have chemistry in this league."’

‘Wire said he is most encouraged by the fact that he will now have a full offseason to learn the intricacies of the linebacker position in Buffalo’s defensive system after being forced to learn the weak side and middle linebacker positions on the fly late last year. “We have coaches in DeMontie Cross and Matt Sheldon that are very passionate about what they do and I’m excited to learn from them,” he said. “They’re going to teach me the trade and I’m really looking forward to it. It’s going to be an exciting year for me.”‘

‘No matter who’s in their backfield in ’07, the Bills would be wise to follow the playoff model of employing a pair of upper-echelon runners. Just ask the Colts and Bears how important the position is.’

‘A third round draft pick in 2002, the Stanford product started the season at strong safety, but moved to linebacker in the middle of the season after Angelo Crowell suffered an injury on December 3rd against the San Diego Chargers.’

‘Well we’re probably a bit fortunate that we got out here last night. My wife Amber and I were delayed flying out of Buffalo yesterday. As a result we missed our connection for our direct flight in Chicago. So we had to make an extra connection to get out to Honolulu. Other than that and not getting our luggage until this morning everything was pretty smooth.’