‘"It’s not easy playing quarterback here with the situation I’m in. It takes its toll. If it’s the same situation next year, I’ve got to get ready to deal with it all over again," Johnson said. "Public sentiment is so for Doug and it will always be for Doug."’
BillsBeat - December 28, 2000
NFL Draft Order
The Bills will draft 14th in the 2001 NFL draft held in April.
Sam Gash means Smash Mouth
Although it may be a coincedence, here is a little factoid that MSNBC’s Gregg Easterbrook noted in a recent column: "… in 1999, with Gash lead-blocking, the Bills rushing offense ranked eighth, while this year, with the same runners and linemen but no Gash, Buffalo dropped to 17th. Gash is now with Baltimore, whose running game leapt from bottom-quartile in 1999 to fourth in 2000. This season Gash had two carries for two yards."
Starting at the top
‘Wilson’s job search to replace fired general manager John Butler seems set up to lead to former Pittsburgh front office executive Tom Donahoe, who has emerged as the front-runner.’
BILLS RANK NINTH IN NFL ATTENDANCE
‘This year’s attendance is the lowest since 1997 (65,470) and is only the third time since 1990 that Buffalo finished below 70,000.’
WILSON INTERVIEWS EX-STEELERS EXEC DONAHOE
‘Donahoe, 53, had a meeting with Bills owner Ralph C. Wilson Jr. in West Palm Beach, Fla. The Bills are searching for a replacement for John Butler, who was fired last week after he and the team were unable to agree on a new contract.’
BillsBeat - December 27, 2000
Phillips reportedly to meet with Bills owner Jan. 5
‘Wilson, who gave Phillips a vote of confidence three weeks ago, has twice since refused to follow up on the endorsement.’
Has Phillips done enough to save job?
‘Yesterday, the Buffalo Bills’ head coach began meetings with team owner Ralph Wilson in Florida, presumably to save his job. At issue is the question of whether Saturday night’s impressive win at Seattle, and the fact he has a year remaining on his contract, is enough to bring him back next season … probably at the expense of a few assistant coaches.’
Coaching philosophy and Rob Johnson ruined Bills chances
‘For his part, Pendry has no gifts at all. His game plans stink. His use of personnel is useless.’
Disgruntled Smith wants out of Buffalo
‘"If it was up to me, I would like to move on because I wasn’t given a fair opportunity here. I wasn’t given a fair shot, and that’s all I really asked for."’
WILSON, PHILLIPS TO MEET JAN. 5
‘The meeting usually is held the week after the end of the season. But the timing of the meeting may allow the Bills time to get a general manager in place to take part in the review.’
BillsBeat - December 26, 2000
If Flutie returns, use him properly
‘A job you wouldn’t want: Director of season-ticket sales for the 2001 Buffalo Bills if quarterback Doug Flutie is traded or released and the current offensive line and special teams coaches are retained.’
FLUTIE SHOW IN SEATTLE MEANS LITTLE
‘While I don’t mind Flutie at all, his super loyalists give me indigestion. They’d all like to see Johnson disappear, leaving the field to Flutie alone, even though he will be 39 by mid-season next fall.’
BillsBeat - December 25, 2000
Butler's replacement faces critical decisions
‘"Somebody’s going to have to come in…and take hold pretty quickly."
Season recap
‘”It’s just frustrating that I get these little injuries,” Johnson said.’