Here we go again.  For the fourth time in the last ten years, the Buffalo Bills are searching for a new head coach.  They are early in the process, and there’s no shortage of speculation about who might get the job.  What follows, in alphabetical order, is a list of ten potential candidates for the job, and their pros and cons:

Brian Billick

  PROS  Has head coaching experience that GM Buddy Nix is looking for, plus experience on the offensive side of the ball   CONS:  Despite offensive expertise, never developed a QB in tenure as Ravens Head Coach

Cam Cameron

 PROS  Offensive experience, head coaching experience with Dolphins, ties to Nix from SD Chargers    CONS:  Brutal year as head coach of Dolphins (1-15) would make him a tough sell to fans

Bill Cowher

  PROS:  Biggest name available, Super Bowl championship with Steelers, tough, hard-nosed image that would play well with fans   CONS:  Is he interested in the job?  Does he need more authority than Nix and Brandon will allow?   Is he waiting for Carolina job to open?

Jim Fassel

  PROS:  Offensive background, had success with Giants, leading them to Super Bowl   CONS:  Interviewed once for Bills job and didn’t get it, has been on the sidelines for awhile

Perry Fewell

   PROS:  Knows organization, has demonstrated an upbeat, positive demeanor during impossible 7-game interim stint with Bills   CONS;  Would not answer the fans’ desire for an overhaul of the football department

Leslie Frazier

  PROS:  A finalist and runner up for several head coaching positions in recent years, played for 1985 Bears Super Bowl Champions    CONS;  Lack of head coaching experience, defensive background

Russ Grimm

  PROS:  Offensive background, tough-hard nosed demeanor that would play well with fans.  Former Redskins hog    CONS:  No head coaching experience, some question whether he has sufficient organizational skills for head  job

Jim Haslett

   PROS:  Head coaching experience, success with Saints before Katrina debacle.  Has WNY ties from Bills and family, and understands the Bills organization and their fans      CONS  Experience is on defense, not offense.  Why did the Rams choose not to retain him last year?

Ron Rivera

  PROS:  Some connection to Nix from SD Chargers, finalist for head coaching jobs in recent years      CONS:  Experience on defense, no head coaching experience

Brian Schottenheimer

   PROS;  Offensive experience, has worked in AFC East, ties to Nix from Marty Schottenheimer’s days with the Chargers    CONS:  Lack of head coaching experience, mixed success with Jets offense

If I’m making the decision, I want to talk in depth with Fassell, Frazier, Grimm and Haslett.  I’d have different questions for each one of them, but I’d be especially interested in their thoughts on quarterbacks, those on the roster and those who may available via the draft or free agency.  I’d try to sort that list of four down to two, probably Grimm and Haslett.  And I’d think long and hard about how much emphasis I wanted to place on prior head coaching experience. 

It’s early.  It’s a process.  Let’s hear what you think.  Are we missing any prominent names?  Let us know.