The Buffalo Bills’ head coaching search is heating up-and it’s taking some intriguing turns.
As of now, the Bills have officially interviewed six candidates: Joe Brady, Brian Daboll, Lou Anarumo, Philip Rivers, Anthony Weaver, and Anthony Lynn. And they’re not done yet. Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski is scheduled to meet with the team on Sunday.
But one name that won’t be in the mix? Mike McDaniel.
According to reports, the Bills were set to speak with the Dolphins head coach, but he withdrew from the process before the meeting ever happened. While that might raise eyebrows, it’s not necessarily a loss for Buffalo.
This search is about more than just X’s and O’s-it’s about leadership, vision, and someone who can steer a talented roster toward the next level.
Still, the biggest surprise so far? Philip Rivers.
Yes, that Philip Rivers.
The longtime NFL quarterback, who’s never coached at the college or pro level, is suddenly a legitimate candidate for one of the most high-profile jobs in football. When ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Rivers would be interviewing for the Bills’ head coaching vacancy, it sent shockwaves through the league.
Not because Rivers lacks football knowledge-his two decades as a signal-caller speak for themselves-but because this wasn’t a name anyone had penciled in for a head coaching gig. Yet here we are.
And there may be more to the story than just football credentials.
According to Dianna Russini, Rivers shares an agent with both Josh Allen and Davis Webb, the Broncos’ offensive pass game coordinator. That’s a noteworthy connection.
In coaching searches, relationships matter. And when your franchise quarterback and a potential coaching candidate are represented by the same agent, it’s at least worth paying attention to.
Webb, for his part, is also a name to watch. He’s not officially in the mix-Buffalo hasn’t been able to request an interview yet, with Denver still alive in the playoffs-but his ties to the Bills run deep.
Webb backed up Allen earlier in his career and has since built a strong reputation as a young, rising coach. He knows the Buffalo locker room, understands the culture, and has earned respect across the league for his football IQ.
Whether or not Rivers or Webb ends up with the job, their shared connection to Allen’s camp adds another layer to this already fascinating coaching search. The Bills are clearly casting a wide net, from established coordinators like Daboll and Anarumo to wild cards like Rivers. And while there’s no clear frontrunner just yet, one thing is certain: Buffalo’s next move will say a lot about the direction of the franchise.
This isn’t just about filling a vacancy. It’s about finding the right voice to lead a team that’s been knocking on the door of a Super Bowl-and is still hungry to break through.