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BUFFALO, N.Y. - Buffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone suddenly has a big hole to fill at defensive co-ordinator with Mike Pettine leaving to take over the Cleveland Browns. With Pettine hired on Thursday, Marrone is forced to enact the contingency plan the team began preparing once Cleveland honed in on his key assistant. "We have a plan in place," Marrone said, in a statement released by the team. "I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Mike on becoming the Browns new head coach and thank him for all of his time and efforts with our team this past season. He did an excellent job of improving our defence, and we wish him the best." Marrone did not reveal a timetable or list of potential candidates. Depending on whether any Bills assistants follow Pettine to Cleveland, Buffalo has several in-house assistants to consider, most notably linebackers coach Jim ONeil and defensive backs coach Donnie Henderson. ONeil has spent the past five seasons working under Pettine, including the first four with the New York Jets. Henderson is the most experienced, having split 29 years as a coach at the NFL and college levels, including stints as a defensive co-ordinator with the Detroit Lions in 2006 and Jets, 2004-05. Replacing Pettine is not something Marrone was anticipating a year after luring the former Jets defensive co-ordinator to Buffalo to become the most-high profile member of his first staff. Pettines departure is a significant blow to a defence that emerged as the Bills strength last season. And the loss has the potential of under-cutting much of the progress the Bills hoped would carry over into next season after a 6-10 finish that extended the NFLs longest active playoff drought to 14 seasons. Continuity also becomes an issue for a defence set to be led by a fourth co-ordinator in as many years. Pettine succeeded Dave Wannstedt, who was fired along with Chan Gailey and his staff a year ago. Wannstedt replaced George Edwards, who struggled during his two years as co-ordinator. Pettine, in one season in Buffalo, played a considerable role in transforming the Bills once-porous defence into an aggressive unit that finished second in the NFL with a franchise-record 57 sacks. Though the Bills were inconsistent against the run, they still finished 10th in the NFL in fewest yards allowed — Buffalos best ranking since finishing second in 2004. The Bills success on defence translated into four players earning Pro Bowl selections, including defensive tackle Marcell Dareus as a last-minute injury replacement. Also selected were defensive linemen Mario Williams and Kyle Williams and safety Jairus Byrd. In November, Pettine indicated he was in no hurry to leave Buffalo. He enjoyed the community and also wanted to continue what he began building with the Bills. Pettines approach and no-nonsense demeanour was popular among players and staff. During the Bills bye weekend off in November, Pettine and a number of assistants spent a weekend sharing a cabin in nearby Ellicottville. He also earned raves among several veterans, including Mario Williams, who led the team with 13 1/2 sacks. Pettine learned his defensive approach under Jets coach Rex Ryan. And its a style thats somewhat unique among NFL teams in placing a premium on players versatility and capability of playing several positions to confuse offences. The secondary benefited in finishing second in the NFL with 23 interceptions. The change at co-ordinator could have an effect on Byrds desire to return to Buffalo. Byrd played last season under a one-year contract after the Bills retained his rights by applying the franchise tag. The Bills have the option of tagging Byrd once more this off-season, but are also making a push to sign the player to a long-term contract. Despite initial reservations, Byrd enjoyed playing in Pettines system and working with Henderson. The defence also featured the Bills most promising youngster, linebacker Kiko Alonso, an NFL defensive rookie of the year candidate. Anthony Davis Jersey .Y. - Matt Harvey wants to make sure hes on the mound in late October — if the New York Mets get there for the first time since 2006. Jamaal Wilkes Lakers Jersey . SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. http://www.lakersbasketballshop.com/Lance-Stephenson-Jersey/ .com) - The surging Montreal Canadiens will try to match their longest winning streak of the season when they visit the Florida Panthers for Saturdays clash at BB&T Center. Byron Scott Lakers Jersey . TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie tweeted on Monday that Hemsky will be going to market as an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Nick Van Exel Lakers Jersey . Cammalleri scored two goals, Corban Knight netted the winner in a shootout, and the Flames erased a two-goal deficit in the third period to beat the Stars 4-3 on Friday night. SAGINAW, Mich. -- Officials with the Saginaw Spirit say Michigan State Police have told them that the body of missing junior hockey player Terry Trafford has been found. A mans body was found Tuesday afternoon in an SUV matching the description of one belonging to Trafford in the parking lot of a Walmart store in Saginaw Countys Saginaw Township. Trafford reportedly last was seen about 9:30 a.m. on March 3 at the Dow Event Center, the home arena for the Spirit. In a statement on the Ontario Hockey League teams website, the Spirit offered condolences to Traffords family and his friends in Ontario and Michigan. Saginaw Spirit president Craig Goslin had said Trafford was sent home prior to his disappearance "for a violation of rules," but said Trafford wasnt permanently cut from the team. At one point in the search, police said they believed Trafford, a centre with the Spirit, might have left the state to return to his hometown of Toronto. "On behalf of the Spirit we would like to thank the police who were looking for Terry," the team said in aa statement.dddddddddddd "We have reached out to Terrys parents and will look to provide them with support over the coming days." OHL commissioner David Branch issued a statement expressing condolences to Traffords family and friends, saying its "a tragic situation for all involved." He thanked police for their efforts, and said the league will co-operate with any investigations into Traffords death. Trafford spent four seasons with the Spirit, with 29 goals and 49 assists. He had eight goals and 24 assists this season. Skye Cieszlak told The Saginaw News that she and Trafford have dated since 2010 and that he "was devastated" after the team sent him home "for partying on a road trip." Cieszlak said Trafford sent her a text message Sunday that said, "his life was over and that he didnt want to do it anymore." The league said Wednesdays game between the Spirit and the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds has been postponed, and will be rescheduled at a later date. -- with files from The Associated Press ' ' '