The Buffalo Bills are one of three teams still looking for a new head man, and their search appears to be in a holding pattern. After interviewing at least eight candidates, the field appears to have narrowed to three choices: Dick Jauron, Charlie Weiss, and Steelers OC Mike Mularkey.

You may recall a column I wrote two weeks ago, in which I detailed the likely candidates and the odds of them being here. I provided the link just to prove I know nothing, but at least I'm willing to put it on paper (or on the net). At the time it seemed apparent that Jim Fassel was the leading candidate for the job, but at this point he appears to be an also ran. He interviewed last Friday, and has not received an offer in the week plus since then.There is no reason to wait to make him an offer, so my head tells me he is eliminated.

Dick Jauron makes some sense, but if we don't hear of an offer in the next day or two logic says he is eliminated as well. As I stated before: solid head coach, well respected, but not known for offense. The Bills are already late in hiring, and Jauron would have to assemble a new offensive staff. A difficult task on for a team that needs an offensive overhaul.

Charlie Weiss is, in my mind, the most likely candidate at this point. The lack of head coaching experience is a concern, but it sounds like the interview went extremely well, perhaps well enough to get Donohoe to commit to another unproven ex-coordinator. Plus, it would hurt a division rival. Not a bad bonus.

Mularkey was, and still is, the real dark horse. I never even named him on my list of possible replacements. I am sure the Pittsburgh / Donohoe connection helps, but I just don't know much about the guy. I remember when he was a tight end for Pittsburgh because I had a buddy in high school named Mike Malarkey so we always kind of followed him, but not enough to know if he would make a good head coach. Again, if we don't see an offer in the next couple of days then all signs will surely point to Weiss.

Stay tuned.

Perhaps the best news for Bills fans this week is that Miami hired Dan Marino as General Manager. Super move Fins. Maybe Mark Clayton can become the capologist and Duper can find a front office spot as well. Time will tell how Marino will fare, but I've never believed in hiring ex-star players for the front office. Too often logic is overcome by warm and fuzzy memories. A GM with absolutely no front office experience. Sounds encouraging for Dolphin-haters everywhere.