But Bills' QB accepts that a new coordinator could change schemes
By Leo Roth Democrat and Chronicle
ORCHARD PARK (Wednesday, January 30, 2002) -- Now that he's received a new contract to remain a Buffalo Bill, quarterback Alex Van Pelt is hoping the West Coast offense returns with him.
Van Pelt on Tuesday signed a five-year deal he had agreed on in principle earlier this month, his agent confirmed.
Van Pelt's contract is worth nearly $6 million - top pay for an NFL backup - but comes with incentives and escalator clauses that more than triples if he becomes the team's permanent starter.
"He'd be paid very fair money as a starter in the NFL," agent Eric Metz of Phoenix said.
It's a dream windfall for a player who two years ago was near retirement and willing to play for less than the veteran minimum.
It's also a well-deserved reward for the popular Van Pelt, 31, who played the final eight games last season after Rob Johnson broke his clavicle, and proved after six seasons as a backup he can be an effective starter and team leader.
"Like I've said, I'm a Buffalo Bills fan and no matter what happens here, this is our home and where we want to be," said Van Pelt, whose base salary last year was $477,000. "It's great for me."
Metz said GM Tom Donahoe, coach Gregg Williams and chief negotiator Jim Overdorf were very fair in structuring the deal. Van Pelt's attitude made it easy.
"The leverage Alex had, he handed it right back by saying he wanted to stay and live in Buffalo," Metz said. "It's why players, management and the city has embraced him.
"He's just a testament to perseverance. Some guys are only liked by one particular coach but how many have been through three head coaches and coordinators and all the systems people have thrown at him? It's good to see this guy get rewarded."
What would be even more rewarding for Van Pelt is if the Bills' next offensive coordinator sticks with the West Coast offense that uses short, quick throws to set up the run. "I thought we had the tools, the players in place, to run the West Coast," Van Pelt said. "We have every component for it, so I'd like to see it come back, but we'll see."
As Williams conducts his search for a coordinator, he is de-emphasizing systems and emphasizing personnel.
He said that "too much was made" of the West Coast scheme last season.
"Systems just give you a chance to start handling your personnel," Williams said. "I'm going to hire the best person available who can utilize our personnel the best.
"Whoever comes in, there might be terminology that he likes better, but we still have to make sure we put the ball in the right hands, teach technique, do the things we need to be effective in our division and the AFC."
The Bills' quarterback situation remains muddled.
Buffalo could select a quarterback in the college draft, sign a free agent such as Chicago's Jim Miller, or even persuade Johnson to return for a pay cut, should Houston pass on him in the expansion draft on Feb. 18.
The only sure thing is Van Pelt.
"We think he'll get a shot to compete for the job," Metz said. "He was going to stay no matter what, but the fact they indicated he'd have a chance to compete for the starting job just added to his excitement.
"He's convinced this is not a 3-13 team and he'll do everything in his power to make sure this team never goes through a year like that again."
In his seven seasons in Buffalo, Van Pelt has played in the K-Gun (no-huddle), the pro set with one or two running backs, and the West Coast. He's confident he can adapt to any system.
"I'm obviously a big fan of the West Coast offense, but I'm also experienced and flexible enough that I'll do OK with any offense," said Van Pelt, who finished as the AFC's ninth-rated passer (76.4) with 12 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions. "As long as they don't bring in the option, I'll be fine."
Said Williams: "(Alex's) comfort zone is with the West Coast terminology but he's been in a lot of systems. Football is football. We'll see how that terminology carries over, but I don't see it as a problem, especially with him."
