Two Bills Drive

‘Bills president and general manager Tom Donahoe never imagined the Bills’ salary cap problems could be this bad. Some U.S. government officials are even comparing Buffalo’s cap to the gross mismanagement of Social Security.’

‘According to a TBD-friendly source, Mike Sheppard and Joe Ferguson are almost in as new coaches at One Bills Drive. While anything can happen to torpedo any candidate, this selection process is very close to be being over. (This same source reported that Gregg Williams was our leading candidate and that the announcement would come on Friday, many hours before the national and local media reports were even suggesting that Williams had emerged as our lead candidate.)’

‘Seattle Seahawks assistant coach Mike Sheppard has surfaced as a leading candidate to become offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills. The Bills received permission Monday to speak with Sheppard about their top offensive job under new coach Gregg Williams. The process could gain speed beginning today.’

Mike Fondacaro was kind enough to pass this article along. Thanks Mike! Keep them coming… This piece reads like major damage control for Marvin Lewis. The more days that pass, the less outraged his entourage is and the more they claim it was was Lewis who turned down the Bills. Whatever Marvin…

Our friends at kffl.com posted this tidbit early this morning: ‘ESPN reports Gregg Williams called the Seattle Seahawks to request permission to speak to their QBs coach Mike Sheppard about the offensive coordinator job. Seattle coach Mike Holmgren is due back from vacation Tuesday and he is expected to grant that permission.’

‘In order to find salary- cap room to keep Moulds from becoming a free agent, the Bills have asked veteran stalwart defensive linemen Ted Washington and Phil Hansen to take pay cuts, said Angelo Wright, Washington’s agent. Both players have refused, which may factor into their possible release.’

‘Ted Cottrell, who had even more reason to be disappointed about not becoming Buffalo’s head coach than Lewis, said he felt he was treated fairly. That should carry more weight than what Lewis and his agent think.’

‘Carl Mauck, 53, a 17-year NFL assistant, will coach the offensive linemen.’

‘Three Lions assistant coaches from last year have been told they will not be brought back — Jim Zorn (quarterbacks)…Two offensive assistants have agreed to terms — Carl Mauck (offensive line) and Maurice Carthon (running backs).’

‘Lewis scoffed at rumors that he had a bad interview with the Bills.’

‘Bills president and general manager Tom Donahoe said Monday the team has sought and been granted permission to speak with Zorn, who has two seasons remaining on his contract in Detroit, but might not fit into the staffing plans of new coach Marty Mornhinweg there.’

‘Mauck would be the latest assistant to leave Buffalo, which is in the midst of changing its coaching staff under newly-hired head coach Gregg Williams, who took over following Wade Phillips’ dismissal.’

"Tennessee Titans assistants Jeff Gray and Ronnie Vinklarek were the first to be interviewed for positions with the Buffalo Bills coaching staff.’

‘The Buffalo Bills re-signed three members of their practice squad…Josh Roth…Corey Hulsey…Jarrett Procell.’

‘The Buffalo Bills are on the verge of making Eric Moulds the NFL’s highest-paid receiver.’