The Buffalo Bills have officially entered the head coach hunt, and their latest target could spark a bit of an AFC arms race. Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver is now on the Bills’ radar, joining a growing list of suitors that includes two division rivals: the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens.
Per reports, Buffalo has submitted a formal request to interview Weaver for their head coaching vacancy. That brings the total to three playoff-caliber franchises showing serious interest in the 43-year-old defensive mind-each with a different vision, but all seeing Weaver as a potential leader of the future.
Let’s break it down.
A Rising Star in Demand
Weaver’s stock has been climbing steadily over the past few years, and it’s easy to see why. He’s now a two-time defensive coordinator, having held the role with the Houston Texans in 2020 before taking over the Dolphins’ defense in 2024. And in his first season with Miami, he made an immediate impact.
That 2024 campaign was arguably his best work yet. The Dolphins finished fourth in total yards allowed per game, 10th in points allowed, and cracked the top 10 in both rushing and passing defense. That kind of balance on all three levels of the defense doesn’t happen by accident-it’s a testament to scheme, preparation, and the ability to get buy-in from players.
Weaver’s resume is more than just numbers, though. He’s known around the league as a communicator and motivator, someone who connects with his players and gets the most out of his unit. That’s the kind of leadership teams are looking for-not just a play-caller, but a culture-setter.
Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Now Buffalo
The Steelers have already moved quickly. They’ve completed a virtual interview with Weaver and are expected to bring him in for a second, in-person meeting. That second interview is a strong signal-he’s officially a finalist for the job in Pittsburgh.
Baltimore is on a similar track. The Ravens have wrapped up their first interview with Weaver and are reportedly planning a second, which means he's firmly in the mix for their opening as well.
And now the Bills are entering the chat.
Buffalo’s interest adds a compelling wrinkle. While both Pittsburgh and Baltimore have strong defensive traditions and organizational stability, the Bills offer something neither of them can: Josh Allen.
The Appeal of the Buffalo Job
From a purely football standpoint, the Bills' vacancy might be the most attractive of the three. They’ve got a franchise quarterback in Allen, a team that’s been a consistent playoff contender, and a front office that’s shown a willingness to be aggressive in building a winner.
While Baltimore boasts an MVP in Lamar Jackson and a deep, talented roster, the Bills may offer a clearer path to immediate success-particularly if Weaver can build a defense that complements Allen’s firepower on offense.
Pittsburgh, on the other hand, presents more of a rebuilding challenge. The quarterback situation is unsettled, and the roster is aging in key spots. That’s not to say the Steelers aren’t a desirable destination-they’re one of the league’s most stable franchises, with a long history of sticking by their head coaches-but the road to contention might be longer there.
Weaver’s Fit
Weaver checks a lot of boxes for all three teams. For Pittsburgh, he fits the mold of what the franchise has traditionally valued: a defensive-minded, first-time head coach with leadership chops. For Baltimore, he’s already in the building-he served as their defensive line coach and assistant head coach before heading to Miami-and he knows the culture and expectations inside and out.
Buffalo, meanwhile, is clearly looking to retool after another postseason disappointment. Bringing in a coach like Weaver could signal a shift in identity-one that leans more on defense and discipline to complement the explosive offense already in place.
What Comes Next
With all three teams moving forward in their respective searches, Weaver’s calendar is about to get busy. Second interviews are where things get real-where ownership gets involved, where vision and philosophy are discussed at a deeper level, and where decisions start to crystallize.
There’s no guarantee where Weaver will land, but one thing is clear: he’s one of the hottest names on the coaching market right now. And with the Bills officially in the mix, the race for his services just got a lot more interesting.