Tom Donahoe

[Typ0]

I think we do have a solid base of players here...and some exceptional talents. Thank you Mr. Donahoe -- if only you had pulled the trigger and hired a decent coach.

[billsburgh]

the coaching hires and his neglect of the o-line were his downfall. there are some talented players here that he was responsilble for.

[Mr. Cynical]

Not sure how you can say our coaching is any better yet. All we have to go on is their history and soundbytes from training camp....and from that standpoint I think we are marginally better, if that.

[Typ0]

Not sure how you can say our coaching is any better yet. All we have to go on is their history and soundbytes from training camp....and from that standpoint I think we are marginally better, if that.


I don't see where I said the coaching was better now...yet another notorious BillsZone assumption.

[SABURZFAN]

thank you Donna Ho for p!$$ing away draft picks on QB's and WR's. :down:

[don137]

You can't be a a place for 5-6 years and not have some talent. He never had a good line here. I think JP maturing is helping but I also think what Levy and company has done in its short time here has had a huge impact. He gave extension to the right person (Peters) and did not give one to Clements. He had a truly remarkable draft. Its ealy but this may be there one of the best drafts ever. Plus he signed some potential decent free agents when it was tough to get anyone to come here without breaking the bank.

[Historian]

Save the Postage Tom.

[Jan Reimers]

I think TD is mostly responsible for our young and talented offensive skill players. He neglected the O line and the D to a very large extent, and his head coaches were an abomination.

He was also a control freak and an egomaniac. Good riddance to him.

[North_Coast]

I think TD is mostly responsible for our young and talented offensive skill players. He neglected the O line and the D to a very large extent, and his head coaches were an abomination.

He was also a control freak and an egomaniac. Good riddance to him.

I'll add another tidbit to this. I think that TD was a gambler and subscribed to the draft philosophy of "take the best player available", which resulted in the young talent on the offense, but not necessarily talent where the Bills needed it. The "best player available" is a good strategy for an already solid team looking to move up to elite status, but it's not the way to go when you have a team that has lots of holes to fill, which was the Bills when Donahoe arrived (primarily from being in cap hell).

I also don't think it's fair to say he neglected the D because he brought in some top notch defensive talent through FA like London Fletcher and Takeo Spikes.

The biggest problem with TD and the oline was that Donahoe believed that olinemen were interchangeable and easily replaced, so he let decent ones walk and replaced them with bargain basement models. The Bills had a decent oline early on during the Donahoe era, not great but decent, but first Ruben Brown (LG) was cut, then Jonas Jennings (LT) left through FA, and last year Mike Williams (RT) self-destructed. While Jonas missed last season with an injury, Ruben anchored the Bears' run-oriented oline that went to the playoffs with a rookie QB.

[bigbub2352]

One big problem that that TD had during his administration, was his poor handle of the media and fans, also paying big money for players on the decline and not signing players in there prime ala antione winfeild, maybe jennings although with him he was v astly overpaid

[BillsFever21]

I think it's waaay to early to call this a remarkable draft and the best in our history. :roflmao:

[HHURRICANE]

I think we do have a solid base of players here...and some exceptional talents. Thank you Mr. Donahoe -- if only you had pulled the trigger and hired a decent coach.

Jennings, Milloy, Williams, Posey, Teague, Euhus, Adams, Anderson and Henry. Yeah he's built us a super foundation that's why it's a rebuilding year.

[Mr. Miyagi]

If nothing else, Donahoe fixed our cap. We have him to thank for all the 4 year $10 million contracts we're able to sign.

[HHURRICANE]

If nothing else, Donahoe fixed our cap. We have him to thank for all the 4 year $10 million contracts we're able to sign.

Yeah 10 Million in dead Cap space with Moulds and Williams!! Our cap was going to get fixed with or without TD.

[Typ0]

I don't think he ignored the OLine. I'm not going to blame him for Mike Williams being a bust. That was a very high draft pick and he should have been a huge anchor on our line making it solid. Instead he was garbage.

[HHURRICANE]

I don't think he ignored the OLine. I'm not going to blame him for Mike Williams being a bust. That was a very high draft pick and he should have been a huge anchor on our line making it solid. Instead he was garbage.

Uhhh he's the GM. He gets the blame just like he get's the praise. Fat ass showed up on his watch and he is now 5 Mill in dead cap space. Plus it was a stupid contract. The fact that the team's roster looks so different already is a pretty good indication of the crap job he did, both in the draft and in FA. Plus in 6 years he couldn't get us DE's or OL's which is pretty paramount to a solid football team. Let's not forget that both McGahee and Losman sat a year as well. How many draft picks did we give away replacing QB's and RB's?!!

[Bill Cody]

Noone seems to be too impressed with what he did here- he is after all still unemployed since he got the boot.

[Statman]

Not sure how you can say our coaching is any better yet. All we have to go on is their history and soundbytes from training camp....and from that standpoint I think we are marginally better, if that.
That's right, we just don't know.

What the new staff has going for them is that there's not a lot of wiggle room to the "worse" side of things. At the same time, that means that just because there's an improvement doesn't mean that it means that the coaching is actually good. It means it's better which isn't saying much of anything since it's sucked royally.

Just a few short weeks and we should know. I don't think anyone's expecting wins @ NE or Miami but we do have to show that we can at least field a first team that can play solidly at times.

[Statman]

If nothing else, Donahoe fixed our cap. We have him to thank for all the 4 year $10 million contracts we're able to sign.
So you think that signing Teague for 4 years $10M was a good signing?

Milloy at 4 yrs. $15M with $7M in bonuses was good?

Vincent at 6 years $20M?

Bledsoe and that whole mess?

You're saying that those were great cap moves?

[HHURRICANE]

So you think that signing Teague for 4 years $10M was a good signing?

Milloy at 4 yrs. $15M with $7M in bonuses was good?

Vincent at 6 years $20M?

Bledsoe and that whole mess?

You're saying that those were great cap moves?:posrep:

Anything with TD and a positive in the same sentence is ridiculous.

[TacklingDummy]

Didn't TD draft McGee, Clements, Henry, McGahee, Evans, Losman, Schobel, Crowell, Jennings, and brought in Free Agents like Spikes, Fletcher, Adams, Eddie Robinson, Milloy and traded for Bledsoe?

TD did make some good moves as GM. They weren't all bad. To say he never addressed the O-line is just a lie. He drafted Williams high, Jennings, signed Teague. Is it his fault that Williams turned out to be a bust?

TD was a douche and had to go. But he did make some good moves over the years. Not many but a few.

[HHURRICANE]

Didn't TD draft McGee, Clements, Henry, McGahee, Evans, Losman, Schobel, Crowell, Jennings, and brought in Free Agents like Spikes, Fletcher, Adams, Eddie Robinson, Milloy and traded for Bledsoe?

TD did make some good moves as GM. They weren't all bad. To say he never addressed the O-line is just a lie. He drafted Williams high, Jennings, signed Teague. Is it his fault that Williams turned out to be a bust?

TD was a douche and had to go. But he did make some good moves over the years. Not many but a few.

Did you read my post "Dummy". Henry -gone, Jennings - gone, Adams - gone, Bledsoe - gone, Milloy - gone, Teague - gone. Eddie who?!

McGahee drafted to replace TD's own draft pick?! Losman to replace your TD's blockbuster signing FA?! Are you kidding me?

He addressed the line with 3 people and they're all gone.

[TacklingDummy]

He addressed the line with 3 people and they're all gone.


Would they be gone if 1 wasn't a bust and the other wasn't always injuried? I think not. GMs can only pick the players. He can't play the field for them.

Drew was a good pick up at the time. Who would you rather of had play QB? Rob Johnson again? Maybe he would of reached his "potential" by now.

Henry had fumble problems and liked underage women. Im glad Donahoe drafted McGahee. He's a better back.

Im sure you could of done a better job then Donahoe, right?

[SquishDaFish]

He made a few good moves. Not many but a few. I liked the drafting of Mike Williams at the time its not dip****s fault he was a bust. But yes he could of done better with the OLine overall and def could of done better with his selection of coaches.

[Typ0]

I get tired of the hindsite on DB. He was the best move at the time...I'm surprised TD pulled the plug on that one but he did. I was happy with Drew the time he was here and when he was cut loose it was also done at the right time.

The thing about drafting players is they can have all the potential and all the talent...but it's very difficult to tell what is going to happen to them mentally once they get that first big contract. Many guys can't handle that which is why they bust out. It's hard to blame TD for MW being an idiot and not working hard enough at the game and his conditioning to succeed.

[FinFaninBuffalo]

Would they be gone if 1 wasn't a bust and the other wasn't always injuried? I think not. GMs can only pick the players. He can't play the field for them.

Drew was a good pick up at the time. Who would you rather of had play QB? Rob Johnson again? Maybe he would of reached his "potential" by now.

Henry had fumble problems and liked underage women. Im glad Donahoe drafted McGahee. He's a better back.

Im sure you could of done a better job then Donahoe, right?
You don't need any other evaluation of TD than this:

<table cellpadding="5"><tbody><tr align="center"><td>2005 (http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/standings.nsf/Seasons/2005)</td> <td>5-11-0 (http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/results.nsf/Teams/2005-buf)</td> <td>3rd -- AFC East</td> <td>--</td> <td>Mike Mularkey (http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/players.nsf/ID/06430075)</td> <td>Roster (http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/rosters.nsf/Annual/2005-buf) / Stats (http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/stats.nsf/Annual/2005-buf)</td></tr><tr align="center"> <td>2004 (http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/standings.nsf/Seasons/2004)</td> <td>9-7-0 (http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/results.nsf/Teams/2004-buf)</td> <td>3rd -- AFC East</td> <td>--</td> <td>Mike Mularkey (http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/players.nsf/ID/06430075)</td> <td>Roster (http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/rosters.nsf/Annual/2004-buf) / Stats (http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/stats.nsf/Annual/2004-buf)</td></tr><tr align="center"> <td>2003 (http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/standings.nsf/Seasons/2003)</td> <td>6-10-0 (http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/results.nsf/Teams/2003-buf)</td> <td>T3rd -- AFC East</td> <td>--</td> <td>Gregg Williams (http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/players.nsf/ID/08200003)</td> <td>Roster (http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/rosters.nsf/Annual/2003-buf) / Stats (http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/stats.nsf/Annual/2003-buf)</td></tr><tr align="center"> <td>2002 (http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/standings.nsf/Seasons/2002)</td> <td>8-8-0 (http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/results.nsf/Teams/2002-buf)</td> <td>4th -- AFC East</td> <td>--</td> <td>Gregg Williams (http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/players.nsf/ID/08200003)</td> <td>Roster (http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/rosters.nsf/Annual/2002-buf) / Stats (http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/stats.nsf/Annual/2002-buf)</td></tr><tr align="center"> <td>2001 (http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/standings.nsf/Seasons/2001)</td> <td>3-13-0 (http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/results.nsf/Teams/2001-buf)</td> <td>5th -- AFC East</td> <td>--</td> <td>Gregg Williams (http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/players.nsf/ID/08200003)</td> <td>Roster (http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/rosters.nsf/Annual/2001-buf) / Stats (http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/stats.nsf/Annual/2001-buf)</td></tr></tbody></table>

[FinFaninBuffalo]

For a fun game, take this article (http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1208/is_42_225/ai_79276038) and replace the following people's names:

Tom Donahoe - Marv Levy
Gregg Williams - Dick Jauron
Rob Johnson - JP Losman
Doug Flutie - Kelly Holcomb

Assume that the Bills cut Kelly Holcomb and struggle at the start of the season.

Deja vu?

[justasportsfan]

Assume that the Bills cut Kelly Holcomb and struggle at the start of the season.

Unlike TD , Marv isn't preaching playoffs and then going with a rookie at qb. We all know this team is rebuilding.

TD did enough in the player dept. to field a competitive team. It's was his nazzi ego that screwed him up by hiring 'yes mam' coaches who didn't know how to put things together.

[FinFaninBuffalo]

Unlike TD , Marv isn't preaching playoffs and then going with a rookie at qb. We all know this team is rebuilding.

TD did enough in the player dept. to field a competitive team. It's was his nazzi ego that screwed him up by hiring 'yes mam' coaches who didn't know how to put things together.
The problem with Donahoe is that his mistakes out weighed his correct decisions. The flubbing of the QB situation and (especially) the OL ruined the team's chances. Unlike some others, I put the Mike Williams pick on him. There was another option that draft that many, many people preferred. Donahoe screwed up. McKinnie is having a fine career in Minn. They also repeatedly signed FA lineman and put them in different positions on the line (Teague, Anderson, Gandy).

Finally, for all of the decent moves he made on defense, you cannot ignore the fact that he used three second round picks on DEs. Two of those have been below average players. The DT position has been a revolving door of players.

You also have to add up the number of high picks spent on the QB position (two 1sts, one 2nd), RB position (one 1st and one 2nd), WR (one 1st, two 2nds). That is 4 1st round and 4 2nd round picks to fill 4 positions on offense.

In an interesting twist of fate, the Bengals pulled out of the Bledsoe derby. They ended up going with John Kitna and Gus Frerotte instead. They sturggled that season. They changed coaches (got Marvin Lewis) and drafted Carson Palmer (who may be the best young QB in the NFL). How would the Bills look right now if they had Marvin Lewis and Carson Palmer, along with the extra players from a 2nd round pick in 2004 and 1st and 2nd round picks in 2005.

[justasportsfan]

The problem with Donahoe is that his mistakes out weighed his correct decisions. .
:up: he could've had an all pro line up that wouldn't have done anything by his poor choices in coaches.

[FinFaninBuffalo]

:up: he could've had an all pro line up that wouldn't have done anything by his poor choices in coaches.

To add insult to injury, the Bengals drafted Levi Jones with the 10th overall pick in 2002, the same year that Mike Williams was drafted. He has started for the Bengals since his rookie year. Wow, have those two franchises taken different paths.