Two Bills Drive

‘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.’

‘He interviewed with the Atlanta Falcons Monday night and will talk with the Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills sometime before Friday.’

‘Gregg Williams, who was fired as the Bills’ head coach on Monday, is another candidate with a strong defensive background and is a possible fallback option.’

‘Williams, fired Monday by the Bills, has Edwards’ respect. In his fourth and final season as Tennessee’s defensive coordinator in 2000, the Titans led the league in total defense, allowed only 17 touchdowns, set a franchise record with 55 sacks, and allowed only 191 points – the third-fewest in a 16-game season in NFL history.’

‘Rams defensive coordinator Lovie Smith interviewed Tuesday with the New York Giants, and he’s only halfway home. The Buffalo Bills requested and received permission Tuesday to interview Smith for their vacant head-coaching position.’

‘His season-long struggles have led some to wonder whether Bledsoe, who turns 32 in February, has lost his edge. That’s not encouraging for a player who is due a hefty raise if he remains on the Bills roster in November.’

‘Donahoe says he will interview three head coaching candidates this week before the playoffs start. He’s received permission to speak with New England offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, Patriots defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel and St.Louis defensive coordinator Lovie Smith. Donahoe says he will also interview Bills defensive coordinator Jerry Gray.’

‘”Gregg, through the entire season, has been in a difficult spot,” said quarterback Drew Bledsoe. “His strength of character and his leadership that he has demonstrated for this team has been tremendous. I have great respect for him because of that.”‘

‘Tom Donahoe’s initial list for Buffalo Bills coaching candidates includes New England assistants Romeo Crennel and Charlie Weis, and St. Louis assistant Lovie Smith.’

‘The Bills could take a major step toward closing the gap between themselves and the Patriots by luring one of the coordinators. Buffalo’s major weakness this season was offense, and Weis worked with Bills quarterback Drew Bledsoe as New England’s offensive coordinator in 2000.’

‘”He was a pleasure to work with from beginning to end,” Donahoe said. “I have no complaints. I can’t say anything publicly bad about the guy except we didn’t win enough football games.”‘

‘The front office thinks highly of New England’s offensive coordinator Charlie Weis. Both he and Patriots defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel are considered head-coaching candidates this winter. However, if the Bills want to interview either of them, they must do it by Friday or wait until after the Pats are knocked out of the playoffs. Neither Weis or Crennel have major head-coaching experience. Other highly regarded assistants include St. Louis defensive chief Lovie Smith and Pittsburgh offensive chief Mike Mularkey. Neither has been a head coach.’

‘”He came in being a hard guy, so I was a little suspect of him,” Pat Williams said. “But slowly but surely he became a guy we felt good about. I think the rest of the guys liked him, too.”‘

‘”I screwed up,” he said. Fine, now stop talking down to the customers and get to work on the product.’

‘Williams’ 5-15 record against AFC East teams did not help his cause. His teams were able to beat the Miami Dolphins twice last season, but the Bills’ most hated rival swept the season series this year and in 2001. Williams was also 2-4 against the New York Jets.’