Two Bills Drive

Who they will hire: Former Jacksonville Jaguars coach Tom Coughlin.

‘"I don’t want to say we need ‘A, B, C, D’ to have a head coach. I think we need to have the right head coach. I’ve got to do a better job of doing that this time around. We have to do it objectively. We have to do it with an open mind. I don’t think we can necessarily put x amount of criteria on it and say, ‘this is what we have to have.’"’

‘Among the guidelines: Invitations to interview should be documented in a letter to the candidate; team owners should be directly involved in the search; teams should identify a “deep and diverse” pool of candidates. Teams also are required to prepare a job description that clearly and fully defines the role of its head coach and the qualities it is looking for in its head coach. The guidelines state that telephone interviews are never preferable and seldom adequate. They also strongly suggest that minority candidates for head-coaching positions not turn down interviews. That’s an attempt to avoid a repeat of the Lions’ situation last year.’

‘”The Bills alone are enough to put me over the edge.”‘

‘The Bills confirmed on Tuesday that Weis and Crennel are on their early short list of head coaching candidates to replace Gregg Williams, who was not retained after compiling a 17-31 record in three seasons. The others are St. Louis Rams assistant head coach/defensive coordinator Lovie Smith and Bills defensive coordinator Jerry Gray.’

‘In the past, Modrak has interviewed for openings with Atlanta and Chicago. But he has often said he’s content staying in Buffalo and assisting longtime friend Tom Donahoe. This season’s disappointing 6-10 record that culminated with the firing of coach Gregg Williams on Monday has left a taste of unfinished business in Modrak’s mouth. “Absolutely. It’s my only focus, really, as it’s been said a hundred times,” he said.’

‘Wade Phillips: 29-19 sure beats 17-31.’

‘”The decision is three months too late,” he said. “He couldn’t figure out what his program should have been early in the season and fix it. Thank God he’s on his way out.”‘

‘Charlie Weis as head coach of the New York Giants or Buffalo Bills? With LaMonte in his corner, it just might happen.’

‘According to those close to Modrak, he is considered the quintessential scout, able to pick good players with great consistency. He has little experience, however, at decision-making and isn’t considered a strong administrator.’

‘A 27-year veteran of the NFL, including 21 with Pittsburgh. Is considered a strong and consistent talent evaluator. Was with Philadelphia when the Eagles drafted quarterback Donovan McNabb despite public pressure to take running back Ricky Williams. Also has been part of drafts that included players such as Corey Simon, Jeremiah Trotter, Hines Ward and Rod Woodson.’

‘While Jones plans to keep in touch with Wolf to gauge whether his interest changes, the Dolphins have received permission to interview Buffalo Assistant General Manager Tom Modrak and Tampa Bay executive Tim Ruskell for the general manager spot.’

‘Modrak helped produce eight Pro Bowl players while heading Pittsburgh’s college scouting department from 1989 to 1998. Modrak also helped rebuild the Eagles while working in Philadelphia from 1998 to 2001.’

‘Modrak, Buffalo’s assistant general manager, has been recommended by Bills President Tom Donahoe. Modrak has 27 years of NFL experience with the Steelers, Eagles and Bills. During his nine seasons as Pittsburgh’s college scouting director, the Steelers’ draft produced eight Pro Bowl players.’

‘Another potential candidate is the former Buffalo coach Gregg Williams, who was fired on Monday. The Jets’ linebackers coach, Bob Sutton, was not fired yesterday and will be given an opportunity to interview for his job with the new coordinator, but he is not a candidate to replace Cottrell. Edwards would not comment on candidates, but said he would announce a list of those he interviews in the coming days.’