Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting that the Buffalo Bills have contacted former Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan in regards to the team's coaching vacancy. Perry Fewell was named the team's interim head coach Tuesday night and is just hours removed from the close of his first practice, but it appears that the Bills are taking advantage of their early jump on the coaching search by talking to one of the most reputable names currently available.
Pro Football Talk has the story, too, citing Schefter. Not only have the Bills contacted Shanahan, but ESPN is also reporting that the two sides are arranging a meeting. The sources leaking the story tell Schefter that Shanahan appears willing, for now, to listen to what the Bills have to say.
The same Schefter report also lists Jim Haslett, Kevin Gilbride and Marc Trestman as potential candidates. Haslett is currently in the UFL, while Gilbride is the offensive coordinator of the New York Giants. Both men have ties to the Bills. Trestman is currently the head coach of the CFL's Montreal Alouettes, but has offensive coordinator experience in the NFL. Shanahan, however, appears to be the lead candidate.
It's also possible that the Bills will try to talk Shanahan into taking a more advisory role tailored toward the front office, similar to the role that Bill Parcells currently holds in Miami. We've discussed at length how the team needs a front office vision before bringing in a new coach. Shanahan has made it known that he has the desire to coach again, preferably in 2010. He has 14 years of head coaching experience, two Super Bowl rings, and a career record of 146-98 in stints with Denver and Oakland.
This, folks, is going to be a tough sell for Mr. Wilson. The role that Wilson has in mind will be of critical importance. Don't get too excited yet.