Sports, Ink

   Jan. 14, 2004 -- When Gregg Williams didn't work out as the Bills coach, the team's front office looked elsewhere.

   They came up with Mike Mularkey. The start of his two-year tenure began this way, according to a story from The News' Mark Gaughan:

   Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey was hammering out the final details of a deal today to become the new head coach of the Buffalo Bills.

    Mularkey reached an oral agreement with the Bills to become the 13th head coach of the team, according to sources in Buffalo and Pittsburgh. The final phase of his interviews with the team took place Tuesday when he traveled to Detroit to meet with Bills owner Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Mularkey went back home to Pittsburgh on Tuesday evening and was given an offer by the Bills. Mularkey made some calls to Bills assistants Tuesday in preparation for assembling a staff. Barring a late hitch in contract talks, the Bills are expected to have a news conference on Thursday.

    In identifying the 42-year-old Mularkey as the top choice, the Bills presumably have a man they believe could fix their offense, which ranked third worst in the NFL this year in points scored and yards gained.

    Mularkey was an NFL tight end for nine seasons and has been a coach in the NFL for 10 years. He has directed the Steelers' offense the past three seasons. Pittsburgh ranked third on offense in 2001, seventh in 2002 and 22nd this year. Mularkey oversaw the on-field rehabilitation of two Pittsburgh quarterbacks, Kordell Stewart in 2001 and Tommy Maddox the past two years.

    The Bills are seeking someone who can revive the game of quarterback Drew Bledsoe, who struggled during the Bills' 6-10 season.

--- Budd Bailey