Two Bills Drive

‘"He’s been around this business a long time and I think he’s ready to step up and be a head coach. So, hopefully, it’ll go to Ted Cottrell."’

‘Phillips will never again be offered a head coaching job in the NFL. In fact, if he ever does receive and accept another bid, I will eat this column.’

‘Phillips was not a complete disaster as a coach. Most of his players liked him and he usually had his players ready. It was on game day that he most often fell short.’

‘"He told us, ‘They’re going to get me eventually and it’s because I’m loyal,’ " said backup quarterback Alex Van Pelt, referring to Phillips’ pregame speech in the locker room before the Bills’ final game at Seattle Dec. 23.’

‘However, as of yesterday, Cottrell had not heard from owner Ralph Wilson and the highly respected career assistant was going ahead with plans to interview with the expansion Houston Texans tomorrow for their vacancy.’

‘"This is unexpected, but it’s something that Mr. Wilson has to deal with today," said Donahoe when asked about Phillips’ dismissal. "We’ll see where it goes."’

‘I would have asked Wade Phillips to fire not only special-teams coach Ronnie Jones, but also offensive coordinator Joe Pendry and offensive-line coach Carl Mauck.’

‘My report card on Wade Phillips: Overall record — B.’

Miami Dolphin OC, Chan Gailey, signed a 2 year extension on Monday with the Dolphins. It had been rumored that if Tom Donahoe was hired that he might seek to bring Gailey into the Bills staff. That rumor is now squashed unless Gailey is offered the head coaching position (or assistant head coach). This would appear to be unlikely due the recent deal Gailey signed.

‘A look back at the highs and lows of Wade Phillips’ Buffalo tenure..’

‘Despite a record that would earn most coaches a contract extension instead of an unceremonious dismissal, Phillips’ own shortcomings cost him his job.’

‘Wade Phillips didn’t lose his job as head coach of the Buffalo Bills this weekend. He lost it a year ago.’

‘What a crappy business, this NFL. The Bills fire Wade Phillips after he posted the best start in the first three seasons of any Buffalo head coach’s tenure. If winning is the bottom line, all Phillips did was go 29-21 (.580).’

‘Shortly after 11 a.m., the team confirmed a story that broke late Sunday … "Bills President Ralph Wilson released Wade Phillips as head coach of the team … "’

‘"Buffalo special teams’ record was among the worst in the National Football League last season,\" Wilson said Monday. "I felt we needed a change and that my request was reasonable. … I did not want to release Wade but his refusal left me with no option."’