The Buffalo Bills’ head coaching search just took a sharp turn-and it’s shaping up to be one of the more fascinating storylines of the offseason.
With Mike McDaniel abruptly pulling out of the running to finalize a deal with the Chargers, Buffalo’s front office finds itself back at the drawing board. McDaniel had been scheduled to meet with the team, but his sudden withdrawal has forced the Bills to shift gears quickly as they look to replace Sean McDermott following their crushing overtime loss to the Broncos.
Now, the Bills are casting a wide net, considering both seasoned coordinators and unconventional candidates to lead Josh Allen and a talented roster into a pivotal 2026 campaign.
One name firmly in the mix: Anthony Weaver. The Bills officially interviewed the Dolphins’ defensive coordinator on January 24, and there’s plenty to like about his résumé.
Weaver’s no stranger to Western New York-he coached the Bills’ defensive line back in 2013-but it’s his recent work with the Ravens that really stands out. From 2021 to 2023, Weaver was part of a Baltimore staff that built one of the league’s most consistently dominant defenses.
Those units didn’t just play well-they suffocated opponents, ranking top-three in both points allowed and sacks.
Even more impressive? Baltimore’s red zone defense under Weaver’s guidance.
Opponents scored touchdowns on just 47.1% of their trips inside the 20-a league-best mark that speaks to his ability to get the most out of his players when it matters most. Add in his background as a former NFL defensive end and his steady climb through the coaching ranks, and it’s clear Weaver brings a deep understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level on the defensive side of the ball.
But if Weaver represents the traditional route, the Bills are also exploring a path few saw coming.
Enter Philip Rivers.
Yes, that Philip Rivers. The longtime Chargers quarterback and future Hall of Fame candidate has reportedly had a serious sit-down with Bills ownership-and he’s not just a courtesy interview.
Rivers is being viewed as a legitimate contender for the job, despite having no NFL coaching experience. Since hanging up his cleats, Rivers has only coached at the high school level, but his football IQ has never been in question.
He was one of the most cerebral quarterbacks of his era, known for his command of the game and fiery leadership.
Perhaps most intriguing is Rivers’ relationship with Josh Allen. The two share a strong personal connection, and in a league where quarterback-coach synergy is everything, that bond could carry real weight. The Bills aren’t just looking for someone to draw up plays-they’re looking for a leader who can unify the locker room and elevate the entire operation.
The search remains wide open. Names like Brian Daboll and Joe Brady are still being considered, and the Bills appear committed to leaving no stone unturned. Whether they go with a battle-tested coordinator like Weaver, a bold swing with Rivers, or a familiar face like Daboll, one thing’s clear: this hire will say a lot about the direction Buffalo wants to take in the post-McDermott era.
The window is still open for a Super Bowl run with Josh Allen at the helm-but the clock is ticking. The next head coach will have the task of not just managing expectations, but meeting them. And in Buffalo, that means one thing: bringing home a Lombardi.