Two Bills Drive

The Bills today named Kevin Gilbride as offensive coordinator, Gregg Williams has announced.

Gilbride is an NFL veteran of 12 years, having served as QB coach for the Houston Oilers in 1989, Oilers OC from 1990-1993, Oilers assistant head coach in 1994, Jacksonville Jaguars OC from 1995-1996, San Diego Chargers head coach from 1997-1998 and Pittsburgh Steelers OC from 1999-2000.

During those eight years as an OC, Gilbride’s offenses were ranked in the NFL’s top three in total offense five times, including the Oilers number one ranking in 1990.

‘If only Winfield had said that when pressed about his comments in U.S. News & World Report. If only he had stood behind his quotes and explained why he did what he did, explained why the system is broken and needs to be fixed…It’s just too bad Winfield wasn’t man enough to do it.’

Gilbride was a coordinator with the then-Houston Oilers (working with Gregg Williams) and Jacksonville Jaguars before being named head coach of the San Diego Chargers in 1997. But he was dismissed by the Chargers six games into the 1998 season after compiling a 9-23 record. His most recent job in the NFL was as the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator in 1999.

‘Possessing 12 years of experience as an NFL coach and coordinator, Gilbride takes over for Mike Sheppard, who served as offensive coordinator under Gilbride in San Diego from 1997-98.’

Don’t be surprised, now that Wade Phillips has been hired as the Atlanta DC, if the Falcons switch to a 3-4 front in 2002. The Falcons really like their young LB corps and feel it is one of the club’s few areas of strength. Phillips is also hinting to friends that he will try to pry Buffalo LB Sam Cowart, whom he drafted, away from the Bills in unrestricted free agency

‘Disagreement over the amount of the bonus Cowart would receive upon signing a deal remains the sticking point.’

‘As expected, New Orleans Saints coach Jim Haslett completed his coaching staff Friday with the hiring of quarterbacks coach Mike Sheppard, a former offensive coordinator with the Buffalo Bills and San Diego Chargers.’

‘It is possible Clements could reject an offer from the Bills, too, and return to the Steelers, where he would be next in line to become offensive coordinator should Mike Mularkey receive a head coaching offer from another NFL team.’

‘The Falcons hace received permission to talk to Buffalo director of football operations Tom Modrak, who spent three years in the same position in Philadelphia and is largely responsible for assembling the current Eagles squad.’

Levy spent much of Friday attempting to reach several Buccaneers officials to offer his services as head coach. His rationale: He would serve as coach only for the 2002 campaign, then step aside following the season, permitting the Bucs to hire current Oakland coach Jon Gruden, who will become a free agent after next season.

Hunter is currently in the ICU with pneumonia – both lungs had collapsed and were full of fluid. He is a fighter and is doing a little better today but is not out of the woods yet. The Kelly family would like you to keep him in your prayers, and if any of you are involved in a prayer network, to include Hunter. We thank you and will keep you posted on any changes. May God Bless You All.

ESPN.com has learned that, after striking out with 4 of 5 possible candidates for the newly defined role of general manager, new owner Arthur Blank has received permission to interview Buffalo Bills director of football operations Tom Modrak for the job. Bills president Tom Donahoe confirmed Friday he has granted a request by the Falcons to meet with Modrak, one of the league’s premier talent evaluators. “My priority is to try to keep him here,” Modrak said, “but it’s a good opportunity and I have to let him pursue it. He has wanted to be a general manager for a while now.”

He’s back at the position he held a year ago, QB Coach.

‘Former Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Mike Sheppard has emerged as the leading candidate to become quarterbacks coach for the New Orleans Saints. Team officials are expected to announce Sheppard’s hiring as early as today.’

‘Williams said he has spoken with roughly 30 candidates.’