Two Bills Drive

‘Between trips to Florida to meet with owner Ralph Wilson, to San Francisco to scout the East-West Shrine Classic and back to Buffalo to meet the press, Donahoe may not have had time to assemble a to-do list …’

‘The four-game losing streak that finished the Buffalo Bills’ playoff hopes and subsequent upper-management purge are the freshest memories, but also obscure a season that had its share of highlights.’

Those of you who have either cable or satellite might want to turn in to the Discovery Health Channel on this Tuesday night at 8:00. There is a special on athletes and the Kelly family will be on with Hunter. They are in the second segment. Cynthia Cooper (WNBA) will also be featured as she has adopted her 6 nieces and nephews. The Kelly’s will talk about Hunter and his disorder…

Len Pasquarelli, SportsLine.com Senior Writer, reported yesterday that the Bills have received permission to speak with Ravens Defensive Coordinator Marvin Lewis. Two other teams have also received permission: the Browns and Lions. Considering Donahoe’s connection with Lewis from his Steeler days, it appears Lewis is the front-runner to replace Wade Phillips.

‘"Yes, he asked me to make some staff changes but it’s never that simple," Phillips said. "There are always more issues."’

‘The Buffalo News, which readers have become accustomed to as the "paper of record" on the Bills, has had to play catch-up on many stories surrounding the team, including the firing of coach Wade Phillips.’

‘"We’ve kind of stuck together over the years," Smith said Saturday from his home near Buffalo. "We have the same philosophies and the same passion to win. Our contracts have always coincided so we wouldn’t be left one without the other. We enjoy working together."’

‘"It’s good to be back home," Phillips said. "I’m proud that I’m a Texan and a Houstonian. Coming home certainly would have to be a big factor, but that’s not the only factor. It would have to be the right fit. In Texas, it’s not `fit like a glove,’ it’s fit like a boot — good boots, that is.’

‘Ted Cottrell is currently in a difficult position. But it’s a position that numerous assistant coaches in the National Football League would love to occupy.’

‘"Ralph gave me some great opportunities that furthered my career. We won a lot of games there so I’m proud of what we did there and I think we will see each other at league meetings. "I know he feels like I did a good job for him."’

‘Bills owner Ralph Wilson initially denied the Chargers permission to talk to Smith, but Donahoe apparently saw no need to drag things out, since it was understood Smith was going to join Butler once his contract expired.’

‘Tom Donahoe said he’s ready to make the tough decisions that will take the Buffalo Bills to a level they haven’t seen before. We believe him.’