The Buffalo Bills are taking a bold swing in their head coaching search, interviewing longtime NFL quarterback Philip Rivers for the top job on Friday, per league sources.
Yes, that Philip Rivers-the fiery, bolo tie-wearing field general who spent nearly two decades slinging touchdowns and talking trash without ever dropping an expletive. At 44, Rivers is now in the mix for one of the most high-profile vacancies in the league, despite a résumé that’s unconventional by NFL coaching standards.
Rivers wrapped up his playing career with 63,440 passing yards, eight Pro Bowl selections, and a reputation as one of the most competitive quarterbacks of his era. After retiring, he transitioned to coaching high school football at St. Michael Catholic in Alabama, where he’s quietly built a powerhouse, going 43-15 since taking over in 2021.
But here’s the kicker: if the Bills were to hire him, Rivers would become the first full-time NFL head coach without prior college or pro coaching experience since 1961. That’s a staggering stat and one that underscores just how rare this kind of move would be.
The only recent parallel? Jeff Saturday’s interim stint with the Colts back in 2022-another former player with no prior coaching experience at the college or pro level.
Interestingly enough, Rivers actually returned to the NFL this season in a brief, unexpected cameo with the Colts. After an injury to Daniel Jones, Indianapolis tapped the veteran to stabilize the offense.
He started three games, going 0-3, but completed 63% of his passes for 544 yards and four touchdowns. It wasn’t a storybook return, but it showed Rivers still had the itch-and the arm-to compete.
Of course, Rivers' NFL story began in 2004, when he was drafted fourth overall by the New York Giants, only to be swapped to the then-San Diego Chargers in the famous Eli Manning trade. What followed was an 18-year career defined by durability, production, and a relentless drive to win. He led the league in passing yards in 2008 and took home Comeback Player of the Year honors in 2013.
Now, he’s part of a Bills interview slate that includes established names like Mike McDaniel, Joe Brady, and Brian Daboll-all of whom bring varying degrees of NFL coaching experience. Buffalo is on the hunt for a new leader after parting ways with Sean McDermott last week, and Rivers, while a surprise candidate, brings a unique blend of leadership, football IQ, and locker room respect.
It’s an outside-the-box move, no doubt. But if there’s one thing we know about Rivers, it’s that he’s never shied away from a challenge. Whether it was going toe-to-toe with Tom Brady in the playoffs, playing through a torn ACL, or now potentially jumping straight into the NFL’s head coaching ranks, Rivers does things his way.
The Bills have some big decisions ahead. And if Rivers ends up being the guy, it would signal a dramatic-and fascinating-new chapter in Buffalo.