The Buffalo Bills are entering a pivotal offseason, and the search for their next head coach is officially wide open. After parting ways with Sean McDermott following a nine-year run that saw consistent playoff appearances but no Super Bowl breakthrough, the organization is now tasked with finding the right leader to guide Josh Allen through the heart of his prime.
One intriguing name has already taken himself out of the conversation: Philip Rivers. The former Chargers and Colts quarterback, who had emerged as a legitimate candidate after a well-received interview, has decided the timing just isn’t right.
Rivers, currently living in Alabama with his wife and ten children, plans to spend the upcoming season coaching his son Gunner during his senior year of high school. That’s a full-circle moment for a football lifer, and while Rivers hasn’t closed the door on an NFL coaching future, Buffalo will have to move forward without him in the mix.
So, where does that leave the Bills?
Enter Davis Webb, a name that’s quickly gaining steam in coaching circles. The 29-year-old Denver Broncos assistant-currently serving as pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach-is set for a second interview with the Las Vegas Raiders and is also expected to meet with Buffalo regarding their head coaching vacancy.
Webb’s rise has been swift but not surprising. He’s widely regarded as one of the brightest young minds in the game, and his ability to connect with quarterbacks while understanding the nuances of modern offensive schemes makes him a compelling candidate. For a team like Buffalo, which already has the franchise quarterback in place, the idea of pairing Allen with a forward-thinking offensive coach is understandably appealing.
It also signals a potential shift in philosophy for the Bills. After years of stability under McDermott-a defensive-minded coach who built a strong culture and a winning record-Buffalo may be ready to embrace a younger, more innovative voice. The goal is clear: maximize the window with Allen, and finally get over the hump in a loaded AFC.
Meanwhile, McDermott appears headed for a well-earned break. According to reports, he’s likely to take the 2026 season off, using the time to reset and reassess after nearly a decade on the sideline.
His resume speaks for itself: 98 wins, eight playoff appearances in nine seasons, and a defense that was consistently among the league’s best. But in a results-driven league, the absence of a Super Bowl appearance ultimately led to his departure.
Taking a sabbatical is a move we’ve seen from other veteran coaches, and often, it pays off. It gives time for reflection, growth, and a chance to step back from the grind. Don’t be surprised if McDermott returns to the league in the near future as a top candidate-refreshed, recharged, and ready for the next challenge.
For now, though, all eyes are on Buffalo’s next move. With Rivers out and Webb rising, the Bills are clearly exploring every avenue.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. They’ve got the quarterback, the talent, and the urgency.
Now, they just need the right leader to bring it all together.