Two Bills Drive

‘Speaking of statistics, the final numbers are in and it was ugly for the Bills in 2003, especially on offense. Buffalo dropped in 12 statistical offensive categories kept by the NFL, including total yards (12th to 30th), passing yards (fifth to 28th), third-down conversions (ninth to 28th), and points (11th to 30th). On the positive side, the Bills improved defensively in nine categories, including yards (14th to second), rushing yards (29th to eighth), sacks (21st to ninth) and points (27th to fifth).’

‘Mularkey said he’s impressed with the Bills organization. “The nucleus is there for a winner. The organization is very good. The owner (Ralph Wilson) has the support to give the coach, and so does Tom, so I think it’s just an ideal situation.”‘

‘As of 5:00 Wednesday, Krumrie was still in his Bills office working.’

‘Barring Donahoe expanding his search beyond the seven candidates he’s already met over the past week, the Bills are left with two options. Donahoe can either consider making an offer to one of four candidates who are either unemployed — ex-Giants coach Jim Fassel and ex-Bears coach Dick Jauron — or whose respective teams are out of the playoffs — Mularkey and Bills defensive coordinator Jerry Gray. Option No. 2 is sitting tight, a wait that could potentially run into next month before Donahoe can resume talks with any of the three assistants — New England’s Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel, and St. Louis’ Lovie Smith — whose teams are still in the playoffs.’

‘Mike Mularkey was in Wednesday to talk with the Bills. The Steelers offensive coordinator already spoke with Atlanta. It was three years ago that Bill Cowher named Mularkey offensive coordinator. He took over for Kevin Gilbride.’

‘Gibbs will be introduced at a news conference Thursday, but he already has his first two hires in place, according to the source. Former Buffalo Bills coach Greg Williams will be defensive coordinator, and Joe Bugel — offensive line coach during much of Gibbs’ first stint in Washington — will return to that post.’

‘The Bills are pleased to announce that punter Brian Moorman is the team’s selection for the 2003 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, the only league award that recognizes player off-the-field community service as well as playing excellence.’

For the third straight day Buffalo will interview a candidate for the vacant head coaching job. This time, Bills President and General Manager Tom Donahoe will meet with Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey.

‘There are some indications that former Bears head coach Dick Jauron has emerged as the Bills’ leading candidate.’

‘The Bills have a high regard for Weis’ play-calling and his ability to do more with less in New England. Weis only has met with one other team, the New York Giants, who Tuesday picked Tom Coughlin. So the Bills probably could get Weis if they want him, as soon as New England’s season ends.’

‘During the brief sentencing, Neil Cuomo, Crafts’ lawyer, told the judge Crafts has an offer to try out with the Detroit team in the Arena Football League. Cuomo said that Crafts, a recovering alcoholic he described as “the vagabond of football” after playing in professional leagues in the states, Canada and Europe, knows he is “at the end of the road” athletically. The lawyer said his client, the father of two young children, got involved in the drug ring because he was “looking to get some money” for his family.’

‘Of the seven teams with head coaching vacancies this off-season, Buffalo ranks with Chicago and Atlanta for greatest potential for greatest turnaround, according to many league insiders. Others believe the new man will suffer the same fate as Williams unless the offensive line is completely rebuilt or the Bills statue for a quarterback, Drew Bledsoe, is replaced. The defense, meanwhile, is good but far from complete.’

‘”We just feel Mike’s one of the outstanding coaches in the league,” Donahoe said. “He has a very good offensive mind and he’s been interviewed by some other teams and been close to a couple jobs. We think he offers a lot and we’re eager to sit down and talk to him in detail.”‘

‘There are whispers around the league that Fassel, who interviewed in Buffalo yesterday, has been offered the Bills job, though his agent, Steve Rosner, denies it. If Fassel lands in Buffalo and Green in Oakland, Johnson would be Crennel’s only competition for the Cardinals job. And, for what it’s worth, Crennel and Bears general manager Jerry Angelo were colleagues with the Giants. Weis also is believed to be in the running for the Bills job.’

‘The candidacy of the 47-year-old Weis makes a lot of sense in Buffalo as his expertise (offense) is the Bills’ primary area of need. Furthermore, he could potentially inherit close to an entire defensive coaching staff, eliminating one of the primary challenges for a first-time head coach. The Bills would also weaken a division rival.’