The Buffalo Bills announced the hirings today of five new assistant coaches, along with two staying on board from Dick Jauron’s staff.

Offensive coordinator/running backs coach: Curtis Modkins

Tight ends coach: Bob Bicknell

Offensive line coach: Joe D'Alessandris

Offensive quality control coach: Kevin Patullo

Defensive assistant: Giff Smith

New Bills head coach Chan Gailey issued a statement through the team’s official website talking about the new additions to the coaching staff. "Right now we are happy with the coaches that we have been able to get on the staff," Gailey said in a statement. "Ultimately, we want to make sure we get the right guys; great teachers, great communicators and the right kind of people for the Bills. These coaches give us a great start in that direction."

Staying on Buffalo's staff is secondary coach George Catavolos and defensive line coach Bob Sanders. Catavolos and his secondary had a spectacular year, snagging 21 of the 28 interceptions by the team. Bills rookie safety Jairus Byrd had nine of those interceptions.

“I’m ecstatic about him being back,” said Byrd of Catavolos. “The way he handles players, especially being a young player that still has a lot to learn, I learned a lot from him. He knows what each player requires in order to make them better. He’s just a people person. I could go on and on about how he has helped me develop and the way he pulls the best out of me.”

Sanders helped the Bills defensive line with their pass rush, getting 32 total sacks on the year. Bills defensive end Chris Kelsay is happy that Sanders was kept on the staff.

“I’m just glad that coach Sanders is back,” said Kelsay, who posted the second-best sack total of his career in 2009. “I feel I put a decent season together individually and I think that’s a credit to Bob and how much I learned from him.”

Gailey is still searching for a new defensive coordinator and wide receivers coach. He will also be adding new staff to coach specific positional positions.

Check back to the Bills Blog Blitz for further coverage and an in-depth look at the new coaching staff. You can also follow us on Twitter @BillsBlogBlitz.

TERRY LONG