FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 8, 2001

 WADE PHILLIPS RELEASED AS BILLS HEAD COACH

Orchard Park, NY - Bills President Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. released Wade Phillips as head coach of the team Sunday night for refusing to dismiss the special teams coach.

Wilson said, "Buffalo special teams' record was among the worst in the National Football League last season. I felt we needed a change and that my request was reasonable."

Wilson continued, "I want to make it very clear that I like Wade, both as a person and a coach. Wade has done a good job for us, reaching the playoffs two out of the last three seasons. But I felt the dismissal of the special teams coach was imperative for the improvement of our team. I did not want to release Wade but his refusal left me with no option."