Two Bills Drive

‘At any point Sunday, did you look at Weis, or at Carolina’s head coach, John Fox and say, “They could have hired that guy?” Did you find yourself wondering if Tom Donahoe, the Bills’ president and GM, really got the best man when he picked Mike Mularkey as his coach?’

‘In 2003, Carolina continued to improve while Buffalo regressed. The Panthers were 11-5, outgained opponents by 26.0 yards per game and outscored opponents by 21 points. They ranked 16th in offense and eighth on defense. The Bills finished 6-10, outgained opponents by 2.2 yards per game and were outscored by 36 points.’

‘However, the ‘Wheelers organization is celebrating that fact, with last season’s af2 sackmaster set to sign today with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, and bound for an important pre-training camp in the spring developmental league, NFL Europe. Francis’ agent, Martin Prince, confirmed Monday his client was in Buffalo, N.Y., for a physical. If he passes that, it would clear the way for Francis to sign a contract believed to be for the NFL’s minimum salary, $230,000, according to the NFL Players Association Web site.’

‘Gilbride and Trestman are expected to lose their jobs following head coaching changes in Buffalo and Oakland. Noel said he traveled to each coach’s home to meet with him before inviting them to Ithaca for a formal interview.’

‘”Hi, this is Mike Mularkey. The new head coach of the Buffalo Bills. Just wanted to take a second and introduce myself, and thank you for this outstanding opportunity. A proud tradition and the history of the Buffalo Bills is recognized around the league, and I can’t tell you how excited I am to be a part of it. My goal as your new head coach is to not only put a team on the field that you’ll be excited to watch, but proud to call your Buffalo Bills. I’m looking forward to becoming a part of this community, and looking forward to seeing all of you at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Thank you for your support. And I hope you have a great off-season.”‘

‘”He comes from an offensive background, looking at last year that is where we had some problems. I’m not saying we were perfect on defense but as a whole I think an offensive minded coach of this caliber is definitely a big positive for our team.”‘

‘Mike Mularkey, the Buffalo Bills’ new head coach, and Tom Clements, his offensive coordinator, are going to install the sort of offense missing around these parts for more than two decades — a Power Running Game…Problem is, we’ve heard this all before.’

‘It will be interesting to see how Donahoe’s comments resonate with the rank-n-file fans. As the highest executive the team has ever had, Donahoe’s stamp is on virtually everything the Bills do. Yet it’s those staffers under him, many on board prior to his arrival, who developed and redeveloped much-needed marketing ties and now are faced with defending and/or explaining their boss’ words, all the while trying to again get them to commit on long-term business deals.’

‘The Eagles are making the Buffalo Bills look like overachievers.’

Jauron also interviewed for the Buffalo Bills head coach opening early this month. He had been contacted by, but did not interview with, at least two other teams who needed to hire a defensive coordinator.

‘Try running on third-and-1. Try running on first down.’

‘“Then about three years ago we evolved into a no-huddle team that went with three wide receivers instead of two tight ends. We knew we needed a good center and Jeff Saturday is another Kent Hull. They’re the same guy. Getting Troy Walter last year and Brandon Stokley this year gives us good people in the slot and that let us move Reggie Wayne to the outside where he’s better suited.”’

””Buffalo was a very fast-paced offence. A lot of times there were 20 or 18 seconds left on the (play) clock when the ball was snapped, so there was a much higher urgency to get the (defensive play) call in, get lined up and be ready to go. It was a two-minute type of pace. “There is a lot more play-action, a lot more variety in the Colts’ offensive system,” the coach of the year went on. “They do use some substitution and they do use different personnel groups. Looking back at Buffalo, they were more of a one-group, one-formation, hurry-up-and-run-the-plays kind. They put pressure on you defensively that way.”’

‘He is low-key, gentlemanly and smart, a person who earned dual degrees in kinesiology and sociology. What’s more, he is even-tempered, like Noll, rarely losing composure and almost never showing any emotion. That, though, is veneer for what burns inside, a fire that fuels a mental toughness that exemplified his playing career.’

‘Jerry Gray certainly saw some urgency. He wanted to go back to the school where he played, and he had some credentials. He was the Bills’ defensive coordinator last season, and only the Cowboys’ defense ranked higher. There was some irony; a few Aggies propped up the Buffalo defense. But Gray seemed an ideal hire for Texas. Smart, young, experienced, orange-blooded. As for Gray’s skin color: If not for social change, why not for recruiting? But Brown showed little interest, and last week it became official. Gray will remain in Buffalo as the Bills’ defensive coordinator. Brown likely saw Gray’s background as less collegiate than pro. But there are also hints that Brown viewed Gray as a threat, and for a reason. Gray’s goal is to someday be the head coach at Texas.’