The Buffalo Bills had big plans in 1968. Not only was USC star O.J.
Simpson available, they were flirting with a new home and new coach.

The potential coach was George Allen of the Rams. According to The
Times’ Bob Oates, Allen was in line to become the Bills’ coach and
general manager and possibly Simpson’s first pro coach. Oates said
Buffalo owner Ralph Wilson would ask the Rams "in a day or so" for
permission to talk with Allen. "This is news to me. I have not talked
with Mr. Wilson," Allen told Oates.

There was plenty of first-rate speculation in Oates’ story. One
element was the Bills’ possible move to Seattle if Wilson didn’t get a
new stadium. Wrote Oates: "Friends of Allen expressed doubt that he
would be enthusiastic about Buffalo, but said they ‘wouldn’t be
surprised’ if he goes to Seattle."

Then there was the matter of where Simpson would end up. The Bills
had the first pick in the draft but apparently were listening to trade
offers, including one to the Chargers for several players. Earlier
Times stories discussed the Rams deciding not to trade their three
first-round picks for a chance to draft Simpson.

But the Bills in Seattle? O.J. in San Diego? How either might have changed the NFL.

As for Allen, one other interesting item from Oates’ story: Rams
owner Dan Reeves gave the coach a $25,000 bonus check at the end of the
season. According to Oates, the bonus "was Reeves’ answer to reports
that there have been disagreements between him and the coach."

Was $25,000 enough to keep everyone happy? Stay tuned.

–Keith Thursby