Two Bills Drive

‘Van Pelt on Tuesday signed a five-year deal he had agreed on in principle earlier this month, his agent confirmed. Van Pelt’s contract is worth nearly $6 million – top pay for an NFL backup – but comes with incentives and escalator clauses that more than triples if he becomes the team’s permanent starter.’

‘Clements, a McKees Rocks native who has been credited with helping Kordell Stewart’s development, interviewed yesterday for the offensive coordinator position with the Buffalo Bills and will talk with the Jacksonville Jaguars next week about a similar job.’

‘Quarterbacks coach Tom Clements, credited with helping resurrect Kordell Stewart’s career, finished his first interview Tuesday to become the Buffalo Bills’ offensive coordinator. Within the next week, he will interview for the same position with the Jacksonville Jaguars.’

‘Under league rules, the Bills can’t interview Ramsdell until after the Rams’ season ends. Zygmunt indicated Monday that Martz would have no problem with Ramsdell interviewing for the position. adding that Martz doesn’t try to stand in the way of assistants who have a chance at career advancement.’

‘Former Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride and recently fired San Diego Chargers coach Mike Riley both had phone interviews with the Bills in the last few days.’

Tom Clements, the Steelers first QB coach in 28 years, is a candidate to become the OC of the Buffalo Bills. Bills president Tom Donahoe yesterday requested and received permission from the Steelers to talk to Clements. Williams was trying to arrange to bring Clements to Buffalo for an interview today.

‘No longer content as a footnote in other people’s stories, Briscoe has written his own story, entitled "The First Black Quarterback". The book, due out Feb. 15, chronicles Briscoe’s fascinating and volatile life.’

‘Gilbride interviewed recently with Minnesota for its offensive coordinator’s job. He also reportedly put the New Orleans Saints on hold for its offer to coach their quarterbacks so he could speak with another team about a more prestigious position. That team could be the Bills. Mike Riley, fired as San Diego’s head coach, is also believed to be interested in Buffalo’s opening.’

‘Given that Reeves will likely coach only one more season, Phillips might be attracted to Atlanta if he hopes to again be a head coach.’

‘Phillips has spoken to Falcons coach Dan Reeves but is believed to favor the Giants.’

The Best anjd the Worst of the Job

“Talking to the agents is really challenging because they have such a different agenda than we do”, he said. “They’re concerned about one player, we have to be concerned about 53 players, the salary cap and how it affects the whole team. That’s challenging. I wouldn’t say I dislike it, but there are other things that I would rather be doing.”

‘Demetrious Maxie obviously had a change of heart. Last week, the Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive tackle said his first choice was to return to the CFL team. But on Monday, the six-foot-two, 290-pound Maxie signed with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills.’

The Irish rock band U2 has a new video centered on a field goal kicker who misses a kick in the final seconds of a big game. Video director Joseph Kahn said it is based partly on Scott Norwood, the Buffalo Bills kicker who missed a potential game-winning field goal in the closing seconds of Super Bowl XXV. The ultimate indignity for Norwood, wouldn’t you say, being thrust onto video shelves between the bare midriffs and the trashy rap?

Strange that U2 would choose such a subject for a music video, but give them this — the title is appropriate. It’s “Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of.”

That is the story of Scott Norwood’s life, summed up in nine words.

‘Maxie, who indicated last week he’d like to return to Saskatchewan next season, said money changed his mind.’

‘Was it mere coincidence that the Bills announced the firing of offensive coordinator Mike Sheppard only moments before they revealed their expansion list?’