ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - The Bills’ search for their next head coach is heating up, and a familiar face just stepped back into the building. On Thursday, Buffalo completed an interview with Brian Daboll - the former Giants head coach and, more notably to Bills fans, the offensive coordinator who helped ignite Josh Allen’s rise into NFL stardom.
Daboll isn’t just another name on the list. He’s a hometown product, a West Seneca native who knows the fabric of Western New York football.
From 2018 to 2022, he served as the Bills’ offensive coordinator, and in that time, he didn’t just call plays - he helped reshape the identity of the franchise. His work with Allen in 2020 was particularly special.
That season, Allen threw for over 4,500 yards and 37 touchdowns, both franchise records at the time. Daboll’s creative schemes and aggressive play-calling earned him AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year honors, and more importantly, put Buffalo back on the national radar as a legitimate contender.
After his success in Buffalo, Daboll took the head coaching job with the New York Giants in 2022. While his tenure there didn’t pan out the way many had hoped - he was let go midway through his fourth season with a 20-40-1 record - his time in New York still offered valuable experience managing a full roster and leading a locker room. Now, he’s back in the mix for a return to Buffalo, this time with the top job in his sights.
Daboll is one of six known candidates under consideration for the Bills’ head coaching vacancy. Among the others is current offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who stepped in midseason and helped stabilize the offense down the stretch.
There's also Anthony Lynn, a respected voice in the building during his previous stint with the team and now working as the Commanders’ run game coordinator. On the defensive side, Colts coordinator Lou Anarumo and Dolphins coordinator Anthony Weaver bring veteran leadership and playoff experience.
Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski is also in the mix, offering a younger, emerging perspective.
Each candidate brings something different to the table, but Daboll’s connection to the franchise - and to Josh Allen - can’t be overlooked. He helped build the foundation of the Bills’ current offensive identity, and a reunion could offer continuity in a moment of transition. The question now is whether the Bills see him as the right leader to take them from perennial playoff team to Super Bowl champions.
The process is still unfolding, but one thing is clear: the Bills are casting a wide net, and they’re not afraid to look backward to move forward.