Orchard Park, NY -- There are indications former Baltimore Ravens head coach Brian Billick is in the process of putting together a coaching staff to join him in Buffalo, even though Billick said on the NFL Network Monday "I've not had contact with the Bills as of yet".
Ch2 Sports Director Ed Kilgore has learned from an NFL source that Billick contacted Jacksonville Jaguars assistant head coach/tight ends coach Mike Tice about the possibility of joining Billick if he is named head coach of the Bills. This begs the question "is Billick putting the cart before the horse" here? We'll find out shortly, as several media outlets report the Bills plan to contact Billick about their head coaching job very soon.
The Buffalo Bills essentially fired their entire coaching staff Monday by releasing them from any contractual obligations so that they would be free to pursue other jobs. Even though Bills interim head coach Perry Fewell is included in the group, Fewell will still interview for the Bills head coaching job soon.
Billick would certainly fit the job description for new Bills gm Buddy Nix, who says he prefers to hire a coach who has NFL head coaching experience. Billick was 80-64 in Baltimore and won a Super Bowl, and by reaching out for a staff, it appears Billick is seriously interested in the Bills job and wants to be fully prepared for the meeting that seems almost certain to take place.
Billick could have competition, however, from 66-year old Marty Schottenheimer, who told Ch2 Sports Monday he is "not likely" to become head coach of the Buffalo Bills, which is a much different response than he offered when asked the same question a month ago. Schottenheimer has been the head coach of the Browns, Chiefs, Redskins and Chargers, and in 10 seasons in K.C. won three division titles and made seven playoff appearances. He led the Chargers to a 14-2 record in 2007 but was fired after the Chargers lost their first playoff game.
Schottenheimer has a Buffalo connection, as a standout linebacker for the Bills in the late 60's.
While former Steelers coach Bill Cowher is thought to be the Bills #1 choice after meeting with owner Ralph Wilson and CEO Russ Brandon last week according to ESPN, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Monday that Cowher probably won't coach anywhere in 2010.
Monday, Fox Sports reported the Bills are looking to interview Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott, Cardinals assistant head coach Russ Grimm and Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier.
wgrz.com
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