The Buffalo Bills are deep into their head coaching search, and one of the more intriguing names on their interview list this weekend is Mike McDaniel - the former Miami Dolphins head coach. McDaniel is set to meet with the Bills’ front office in person on Friday as part of a busy few days of interviews in Buffalo.
And here's the kicker: quarterback Josh Allen is expected to have a “significant say” in who gets the job. That’s not something you hear every day, but given Allen’s stature within the franchise, it makes sense.
McDaniel, known for his offensive creativity and sharp football mind, has been a hot name in this year’s coaching carousel. If he doesn’t land a head job, he’s expected to join the Los Angeles Chargers as their offensive coordinator - a fallback that still keeps him in a high-profile role.
So far, McDaniel has interviewed with the Falcons, Ravens, Browns, Raiders, Titans, and now the Bills. He’s pulled out of the Browns’ search, and with Las Vegas being the only other opening from that group - after parting ways with Pete Carroll - Buffalo could be one of his final shots at another head coaching gig this cycle.
The Bills are coming off a major organizational shift. After nine seasons, they parted ways with Sean McDermott following their AFC Divisional Round loss to the Denver Broncos.
McDermott’s tenure was marked by consistent regular-season success - five AFC East titles and playoff appearances in all but one year - but the postseason ceiling remained frustratingly low. No Super Bowl appearances and back-to-back playoff exits ultimately led to the change.
McDaniel, meanwhile, is coming off a four-year run in Miami that had its share of ups and downs. He posted a 35-33 regular-season record but went winless in two playoff appearances.
The Dolphins made the postseason in each of his first two seasons, but things trended downward - finishing 8-9 in 2024 and slipping further to 7-10 this past season. Before taking the Miami job, McDaniel was the offensive coordinator for the 49ers in 2021, where he helped engineer one of the league’s most dynamic rushing attacks.
If he doesn’t land in Buffalo, he’s expected to return to the West Coast with the Chargers in a coordinator role.
But McDaniel isn’t the only candidate in the mix. The Bills have a full slate of interviews lined up this weekend.
On Saturday, they’re set to meet with Washington Commanders run game coordinator Anthony Lynn and former Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver. Then on Sunday, Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski will get his shot.
Buffalo has already spoken with some familiar faces. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady has interviewed, as has Brian Daboll - the former Giants head coach who previously served as the Bills’ OC from 2018 to 2021 and helped develop Josh Allen into the star he is today. Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo also reportedly sat down with the team earlier this week.
It’s clear the Bills are casting a wide net, looking at both offensive and defensive minds, internal candidates and external options. But with Josh Allen in his prime and the team still built to contend, this hire isn’t just about replacing McDermott - it’s about finding the right voice to push Buffalo over the top. Whether that’s McDaniel or someone else, the next few days could go a long way in shaping the Bills’ future.