Two Bills Drive

‘Meanwhile, former Bears coach Dick Jauron interviewed in Buffalo on Monday but is not thought to be a front-runner for the Bills’ job. Former New York Giants coach Jim Fassel will interview in Buffalo today and is thought to be the top candidate.’

‘In Buffalo on Monday, the Bills interviewed former Bears coach Dick Jauron, fired by the Bears after a 7-9 season. But the Bills are said to prefer someone with an offensive background, which is why they are most interested in Fassel.’

‘Vikings coach Mike Tice spoke by phone with recently fired Buffalo Bills coach Gregg Williams about the Vikings’ vacant defensive coordinator position.’

‘Former Texas defensive back Jerry Gray, who was the Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator before head coach Gregg Williams was fired recently, is considered a leading candidate to replace Reese. Gray, a native of Lubbock and a two-time All-American at Texas as a safety in 1983 and 1984, was scheduled to interview for the Bills’ head coaching job Monday, according to one source.’

‘If Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Jerry Gray does not get the vacant head coaching job, he is apparently making back-up plans. In Austin, Texas, Gray is being mentioned as a possible candidate to be the new defensive coordinator at the University of Texas.’

‘Jauron, who did not make himself available for comment afterward, was the fifth candidate considered by the Bills to replace Gregg Williams, who was dismissed last week. Earlier in the day, team president Tom Donahoe interviewed Bills defensive coordinator Jerry Gray, team spokesman Scott Berchtold said.’

‘And the team is still awaiting word whether Tom Modrak, assistant GM of the Buffalo Bills, will accept an invitation to interview. “The decision is in his court now,” Jones said. “We told him we’re interested in talking to him. He asked what the job entails. We told him very clearly it’s a job with a lot of power. And he wants to think about it.”’

‘SportsLine.com has learned ex-Giants coach Jim Fassel is scheduled to interview for the Bills opening Tuesday. Fassel is the strongest name yet to be linked with the vacancy and marks the third team he will have interviewed for a job since being dismissed from the Giants.’

Odds are the Buffalo Bills won’t name their next head coach until next month, after the National Football League playoffs are completed and there’s a full list of assistant coaches available to complement the ex-head coaches already on the market. Which leaves us plenty of time for speculation. First, let’s put the kibosh on one of the more popular names floating around. Not Jim Haslett — he’s not even worth discussing, as both he and New Orleans Saints management confirmed last week that there’s no out clause in his contract that would allow him to return to the team he played for in the 1970s and ’80s. The subject here is Jim Fassel, recently dispatched after six years at the helm of the New York Giants. He’s already interviewed with the Washington Redskins, and is reportedly being wooed by the Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders as well. Which raises one question. Did the management of any of those teams watch the Giants play during the second half of the season?’

‘Former Giants coach Jim Fassel will meet with the Bills on Tuesday.’

‘Jauron has previous ties to Buffalo, having coached the Bills’ secondary in his first pro job in 1985 under Hank Bullough.’

‘According to a source familiar with the talks, Weis’s interview with Bills president and general manager Tom Donahoe in the Boston area was a smashing success. Weis was described as “very impressive” and “well-prepared.” Weis obviously has knowledge of Donahoe’s biggest problem: how to fix the offense and quarterback Drew Bledsoe.’

‘The possibilities: Reports say Dick Jauron, Tom Coughlin and Fassel are scheduled to be interviewed [by the Bills] this week. They made contact with Fassel on Saturday. The Bills, seeking an offensive rejuvenation, also talked to Crennel, Smith and Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis. GM Tom Donahoe has identified head-coaching experience as a big factor.

The favorite: Coughlin. He may have his choice between the Giants and the Bills.

The sleeper: Jauron. Nobody should downplay his stellar reputation outside Chicago.’

Fassel, believed to top the wish lists of the Washington Redskins and Arizona Cardinals, also will meet with the Buffalo Bills, who are rumored to be making a big push for his services. A league source said the Bills already were discussing an offer and Fassel was close to a deal.

‘The Dolphins have also spoken with Buffalo Assistant General Manager Tom Modrak and remain optimistic about scheduling an interview this week. An NFL source said Sunday that Modrak was mulling over whether he wanted to pursue the job after his conversation with management.’