Two Bills Drive

‘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.’

‘It wasn’t that he gave some fiery speech, but rather the way he made his case.’

‘But through all the rampant optimism, there was a message of caution from owner Ralph Wilson. "We have a serious salary-cap problem," Wilson ventured. "I read where we had the fourth-highest total of signing bonuses handed out, $198.6 million (U.S.)."’

‘"It’s a done deal, and I’m thrilled," Smith said last night from his home in Hamburg, N.Y. He grew up in Rhode Island and lived here when he was first married. "It’s been a wonderful 14 years in Buffalo, but it was time to move on."’

‘He’s popular in Buffalo, where many of the defensive players have lobbied on his behalf for the head-coaching vacancy. But that appears to be a longshot.’