Two Bills Drive

‘This past Monday Fassel was in Buffalo interviewing for the Bills vacancy. A scheduled interview with the Bears was put on hold but might come next week.’

‘Williams, recently fired as the Bills’ head coach, interviewed with Herman Edwards last Friday and was not only considered very high on the list to replace Ted Cottrell at defensive coordinator but he was believed to be the team’s top choice. Sources inside Weeb Ewbank Hall yesterday characterized Edwards as disconcerted by the news of Williams going to Washington, indicating that Williams was the coach he was targeting.’

‘Coach Herman Edwards acknowledged disappointment but said he never offered Williams the job. Edwards preferred to interview other candidates rather than make a hasty decision. “If you only interview one guy, you never learn about the other four guys,” he said. “To me, they’re all in the mix and they’re all really good coaches.”‘

‘Coughlin was to interview former Bills coach Gregg Williams tomorrow and probably would have hired him, but Joe Gibbs’ Redskins signed Williams yesterday.’

‘”I just think that obviously that’s what the Redskins wanted to do and they felt they wanted to pull the trigger at that point on the coach and the coordinator, and they did it,” Jets coach Herman Edwards said.’

‘The Jets interviewed Williams – fired last week as Buffalo’s head coach – last weekend and he appeared to be the leading candidate. But by waiting until interviewing all candidates before making a decision, the Jets allowed the Redskins and brand new coach Joe Gibbs to swoop in and get Williams.’

‘Crennel’s best shot figures to be with Chicago, because of his previous professional relationship with general manager Jerry Angelo, or Atlanta, where he has the admiration of new general manager Rich McKay. Weis is considered to be at or near the top of the list in Buffalo because of his offensive expertise, history with Drew Bledsoe, and the possibility of the Bills weakening a division rival.’

‘After a standout career at the University of Michigan, Collins was drafted by Buffalo in the second round, the 45th pick overall. In 1995 and 1996, he backed up Jim Kelly as the Bills twice made the playoffs, but his one year as a starter (1997) didn’t go so well because Buffalo finished 6-10. He has been with Kansas City since 1998, though strictly as a backup, now to Trent Green.’

‘“How can you not remember that play, it was their miracle. That was the wildest, most exciting game I’ve ever been a part of. It was in the playoffs and it came down to the very end. We were up and we figured we had the game won. Then you look up and see this guy running down the sidelines all free. One moment you’re up and the next moment you’re as low as you have ever been. I never want to get that feeling again.”’

‘Donahoe said Mularkey did well in the interview. “He has a good plan to be a head coach. We were impressed.”‘

‘Jones said the Dolphins haven’t heard back from Buffalo Assistant GM Tom Modrak, who was solicited last week for an interview.’

‘Before going 17-31 as Bills head coach over the past three seasons, Williams was considered a defensive mastermind for the Tennessee Titans. In 2000, the Baltimore Ravens — with Marvin Lewis as their defensive coordinator — set an NFL record for fewest points allowed. However, the Titans were actually the top-ranked defense that season, because of the fewest total yards allowed. Williams — who becomes Washington’s sixth defensive coordinator in six seasons — is known for an aggressive defense that uses various formations.’

‘Weis is thought to be among the strongest of candidates if Donahoe opts for a first-time head coach — something it is believed he’d rather not do given that the fired Gregg Williams fit that profile three years ago. If an experienced head coach is the choice, Jauron may have slipped ahead of Fassel in Donahoe’s view.’

‘Buffalo has never paid its head coaches well, but Donahoe indicated he won’t lose a good coaching candidate to money. If it’s Fassel, the Giants will pick up the difference between the $2.7 million he would’ve earned with them in 2004 and what he’ll make with his new club.’

‘Levy, who speaks with Bills owner Ralph Wilson a half dozen times a year socially, said he has never brought up the prospect of coaching his team again. “I’ve shied away from it,” Levy said. “I don’t feel that should be part of the conversation. I haven’t initiated that conversation.”‘