A week after sitting down with Buffalo's assistant coaches on a visit to One Bills Drive, former Pitt head coach Dave Wannstedt is joining Chan Gailey's coaching staff. Wannstedt, 58, will be bringing 36 years of coaching experience to the club.
"We are extremely pleased to have Dave Wannstedt join our staff," said head coach Chan Gailey. "Dave and I have known each other for quite awhile. I respected him when I worked for him, and I'm excited that he is going to be able to join our staff. He'll have the title of Assistant Head Coach and will be coaching the inside linebackers. I look forward to him being able to help our team in many ways. With his amount of experience he certainly should be able to do that. We look forward to having him."
Wannstedt is a former NFL head coach with the Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears and has worked with Gailey in the past as the Bills sideline boss served as his offensive coordinator for two seasons in Miami (2000-2001). In both seasons the Dolphins reached the postseason.
"I'm thankful for the opportunity given to me by Mr. Wilson and Buddy Nix to be part of a great organization with a rich tradition," said Wannstedt. "I've coached in Ralph Wilson Stadium several times. I am excited to have those great Bills fans supporting our team and making it difficult for opposing offenses each week."
"I've known Chan for several years," said Wannstedt. "Chan's had success everywhere he's been. Knowing what he's about as a football coach, knowing what he believes in and having worked with him in Miami, I know he has the winning formula. I'm excited to be part of this coaching staff and am looking forward to making a difference with this defense."
Buffalo is coming off a season in which their defense finished last in the league in run defense and 28th in points allowed. Some of the most successful years of Wannstedt's NFL coaching career came as a defensive coordinator with Dallas with the Cowboys winning a Super Bowl in 1992. He also won a national title in college with the Miami Hurricanes as a defensive coordinator in 1987.
Wannstedt will only add to the level of expertise on the defensive side of the ball and assist defensive coordinator George Edwards. He'll also fill a coaching vacancy as inside linebackers coach.
