The Buffalo Bills aren’t just dipping their toes into the head coaching market-they’re diving in headfirst. Less than a week after owner Terry Pegula and GM/President of Football Operations Brandon Beane promised an “open” search process, the front office has already cast a wide net, interviewing a wide-ranging group of candidates. From seasoned NFL coaches to a high school head coach-turned-retired quarterback, the Bills are clearly exploring every angle as they look to identify the right leader for the next chapter of the franchise.
Here’s a breakdown of who’s already sat down with the team-and what each brings to the table.
January 25: Grant Udinski, Offensive Coordinator, Jacksonville Jaguars
At just 30 years old, Grant Udinski is the youngest candidate interviewed so far, but don’t let the age fool you-he’s already made a strong impression in NFL circles. In his first year as Jacksonville’s offensive coordinator, Udinski helped the Jags finish sixth in the league in scoring (27.7 points per game) and 11th in total offense (338.6 yards per game). That’s no small feat in a league where offensive production is at a premium.
Udinski’s NFL journey began in 2020 with the Carolina Panthers as an assistant before moving on to the Minnesota Vikings, where he spent three seasons as an offensive assistant. His quick rise through the coaching ranks points to a sharp football mind, and his recent success in Jacksonville makes him one of the more intriguing young offensive minds in this cycle.
January 24: Anthony Lynn, Run Game Coordinator, Washington Commanders
Anthony Lynn is no stranger to Buffalo. He briefly served as interim head coach for the Bills back in 2016 and later led the Los Angeles Chargers for four seasons. During his time in L.A., Lynn posted a 33-31 record, including a standout 12-4 campaign in 2018 that culminated in a playoff win over the Ravens.
Lynn has since taken on a run game coordinator role with the Commanders, starting in 2024. Known for his steady leadership and player-first approach, Lynn brings head coaching experience and a reputation for building strong locker room culture-two traits that could appeal to a Bills team looking to reset and refocus.
Anthony Weaver, Defensive Coordinator, Miami Dolphins
Weaver has quietly built a strong résumé on the defensive side of the ball. After a stint as assistant head coach and defensive line coach with the Ravens, he took over as Miami’s defensive coordinator in 2024.
The results? A top-tier unit that ranked fourth in total defense and 10th in points allowed.
Weaver also has ties to Buffalo, having served as the Bills’ defensive line coach back in 2013. His defenses are known for being aggressive and disciplined, and his ability to adapt to different personnel groups has made him a respected name among coaching circles. If the Bills are looking to bolster their defensive identity, Weaver could be a strong fit.
January 23: Philip Rivers, Former NFL Quarterback
Yes, that Philip Rivers. The longtime Chargers quarterback and future Hall of Famer has thrown his name into the coaching ring, despite his only experience coming at the high school level. Since retiring from the NFL, Rivers has gone 43-15 as a high school head coach, including two state semifinal appearances.
While he lacks NFL coaching experience, Rivers brings a wealth of knowledge from his playing days and a fiery competitive edge that defined his career. He’s a bit of a wildcard in this process, but his leadership qualities and football IQ are undeniable.
January 22: Lou Anarumo, Defensive Coordinator, Indianapolis Colts
Anarumo brings the kind of experience that few on this list can match. With 36 years in coaching, he’s seen just about everything the game has to offer. In 2025, he helped guide the Colts to the seventh-best run defense in the NFL-a testament to his ability to scheme effectively and make in-game adjustments.
Before Indianapolis, Anarumo was the defensive coordinator in Cincinnati, where his units had a mixed bag of results. While the Bengals finished in the top 10 in takeaways twice under his watch, they also ranked 25th or worse in total yards allowed four times. Still, his experience and defensive acumen make him a credible candidate for a team that may be looking to bring more balance to its identity.
Brian Daboll, Former Head Coach, New York Giants
Daboll is a familiar face in Western New York. He was Buffalo’s offensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021, helping build the foundation of the high-powered offense that turned Josh Allen into an MVP-caliber quarterback. During his time in Buffalo, the team averaged 352.3 yards and 24.1 points per game.
He left to become head coach of the Giants in 2022 and led them to a playoff win in his first season. Though his tenure in New York ended after just four seasons, Daboll’s offensive pedigree and his prior success with Allen could make him a strong candidate to return-this time with the top job.
January 21: Joe Brady, Offensive Coordinator, Buffalo Bills
The first interview of the cycle went to Joe Brady, who already knows the lay of the land in Buffalo. He’s been the team’s offensive coordinator for the last two and a half seasons and played a key role in guiding Josh Allen to his first MVP in 2024. Under Brady’s leadership, the Bills averaged 30.6 points per game in 2024 and 28.3 in 2025-both top-tier numbers.
Brady has built strong rapport with Allen and the offensive core, and continuity could be a factor if the Bills opt to promote from within. He’s young, innovative, and already proven within the system.
What’s Next?
The Bills’ coaching search is clearly in full swing, and the diversity of candidates shows they’re open to all possibilities-whether that’s a seasoned veteran, a rising coordinator, or even a former quarterback legend stepping into a new role. With interviews continuing, the front office is taking its time to find the right voice to lead this team forward.
One thing’s for sure: whoever ends up with the job will inherit a roster with talent, expectations, and a fan base hungry for the next step. And based on how thorough this process has already been, the Bills are doing everything they can to make sure they get it right.