Two Bills Drive

‘"Houston is home for me. I went to the University of Houston and I coached with my dad with the Oilers during the glory days, so to speak," Phillips told Houston television station KRIV.’

‘"We played so many young players this year who are going to be solid next year," Phillips said. "There are a lot of good coaches who can do a good job, a lot of GMs. I’m sure Ralph will hire those people. This has been a strong, winning franchise and I think it’ll continue to be. I’m just sad it’s not with me."’

‘"Our problems on special teams were pretty simple," he said. "It was speed getting down the field and the lack of ability to get off blocks and make a tackle. When we had breakdowns, that’s where the breakdowns were."’

‘"When he lost Bruce Smith, Thomas Smith, Gabe Northern and Kurt Schulz from the defense before the season, I told him he was in for a rough time. Then, he gets his team to 7-4, and he loses four more starters from his defense. Four pretty good starters, too. Those are some tough obstacles to overcome."’

Don Banks, reporter for Sports Illustrated, made a passing comment in his column today that Joe Pendry may be in consideration to replace the recently fired Les Steckel in Tampa Bay. Steckel was the Bucs offensive coordinator for only one year. Banks said Head Coach Tony Dungy will take his time in finding Steckel’s replacement.

‘"I do want to say that I did offer to change special teams coaches because I did feel like it was my responsibility and my fault that I brought in a guy who didn’t have any experience with special teams,” Phillips said.’

‘"He’s been around this business a long time and I think he’s ready to step up and be a head coach. So, hopefully, it’ll go to Ted Cottrell."’

‘Phillips will never again be offered a head coaching job in the NFL. In fact, if he ever does receive and accept another bid, I will eat this column.’

‘Phillips was not a complete disaster as a coach. Most of his players liked him and he usually had his players ready. It was on game day that he most often fell short.’

‘"He told us, ‘They’re going to get me eventually and it’s because I’m loyal,’ " said backup quarterback Alex Van Pelt, referring to Phillips’ pregame speech in the locker room before the Bills’ final game at Seattle Dec. 23.’

‘However, as of yesterday, Cottrell had not heard from owner Ralph Wilson and the highly respected career assistant was going ahead with plans to interview with the expansion Houston Texans tomorrow for their vacancy.’