Two Bills Drive

‘Butler, 54, said he’s a "big believer" in building through the draft. At one point in the 2000 season, 18 of Buffalo’s starters were drafted by the club. By contrast, only eight of the Chargers’ starters in their season finale were San Diego draftees.’

‘And while his name surfaced for top personnel jobs with the New York Jets and Detroit Lions the past two days, Donahoe insisted his focus is still on Buffalo.’

‘But it appears undisclosed NFL officials, interpreting language in the league’s anti-tampering policy, have determined that’s it’s unreasonable for the Bills to hold Smith to the final six weeks of his deal.’

‘Of immediate concern is whether Butler will be able to bring along A.J. Smith, the Bills’ pro personnel director. Butler and Smith have worked together since the early 1980s. Smith is under contract to Buffalo through mid-February, and reportedly will be forced to serve out the time, unless the Chargers can get the NFL to intervene.’

‘"It’s a big challenge," said Butler, who was fired by Buffalo on December 19 after 14 years with the team. "I’m going to tell you this, nobody is going to outwork us. I don’t like the word ‘lose.’ It’s not part of my vocabulary."’

‘"John Butler knows what it takes to win in this league," said Spanos. "He’s had amazing success in the draft and has been responsible for building championship teams. His record in Buffalo speaks for itself.’

‘Once Butler became available —- after contract talks with Bills owner Ralph Wilson collapsed —- Spanos spurned other candidates and put Butler No. 1 on his list.’

‘Buffalo owner Ralph Wilson denied the Chargers permission to talk to Smith yesterday, but a source said San Diego will seek to overturn Wilson’s decision today by asking the commissioner’s office to review Smith’s contract.’

‘Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson has decided to be petty, as well as penurious.’

‘…the 82-year-old owner of the Buffalo Bills yesterday denied the Chargers permission to interview his pro personnel director, A.J. Smith, for an undisclosed front office position.’

‘It’s even harder to imagine Donahoe, who lost his job in Pittsburgh after a power struggle with Steelers coach Bill Cowher, being force-fed an incumbent coach.’

‘Phillips, who is well-liked by the players, was criticized for his handling of quarterbacks Rob Johnson and Doug Flutie. Blame also fell on the Bills offensive coaching staff, headed by coordinator Joe Pendry, and first-year special teams coach Ronnie Jones.’

‘Butler will be introduced at a news conference Friday morning, spokesman Bill Johnston said.’