Friday, January 12
Donahoe will talk to Cottrell



ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Tom Donahoe's first job as president and general manager of the Buffalo Bills will be to find a coach.

Tom Donahoe
Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson, right, presented a football to new Bills president and general manager Tom Donahoe on Friday.

But the 53-year-old Donahoe offered no hint Friday of who might replace the fired Wade Phillips.

"I'll leave the speculation to you," Donahoe said at a news conference.

But he did say he intends to interview Bills defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell in the early part of next week.

Others identified as possible candidates are Baltimore defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis, Jacksonville defensive coordinator Dom Capers, Miami offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, New York Giants offensive coordinator Sean Payton and New Orleans offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy.

Donahoe becomes just the second president of the Bills, following Buffalo owner Ralph Wilson, who held the title for 41 years. As general manager, he replaces John Butler, fired last month before becoming general manager of the San Diego Chargers.

"This is a quality organization, and I'm proud to be part of it," Donahoe said. "I hope by working together we can take the Buffalo Bills further than they've been able to go.

"We want to win. That's paramount. This is a team that should have been in the playoffs this year, and we want to be in the playoffs next year."

Donahoe spent 14 years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the last eight as a director of football operations, until he was forced out last January.

"He's been a winner," Wilson said. "He's really a top individual and Buffalo is fortunate to have this gentleman come in."







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