The Buffalo Bills are casting a wide net in their search for a new head coach-and one of the most intriguing names on their interview list is a familiar face from NFL Sundays: Philip Rivers.
Yes, that Philip Rivers.
The longtime Chargers quarterback, who briefly came out of retirement to suit up for the Colts at the end of the 2025 season, is officially in the mix for Buffalo’s head coaching job. According to league sources, Rivers interviewed with the Bills on Friday, joining a growing list of candidates vying to lead a franchise with Super Bowl aspirations.
Here’s where things stand in Buffalo’s head coaching search, based on the latest tracker:
- Joe Brady, the team’s current offensive coordinator, has already interviewed.
- Brian Daboll, the former Giants head coach and one-time Bills OC, has also been interviewed.
- Anthony Lynn, currently the Commanders’ run game coordinator, is scheduled to meet with the team.
- Grant Udinski, the Jaguars’ offensive coordinator, is on the schedule.
- Anthony Weaver, defensive coordinator for the Dolphins, is expected to interview.
- Lou Anarumo, Colts defensive coordinator, is also lined up.
- Mike McDaniel, Chargers OC, rounds out the scheduled interviews.
- And now, Philip Rivers, who’s officially been interviewed.
Rivers’ name has been circulating in coaching circles for a few weeks now. Teams have reportedly done background work on him as a potential head coaching candidate in this year’s cycle. While it might seem like a long shot, Rivers himself hasn’t ruled it out.
After wrapping up the season with the Colts, the 44-year-old spoke candidly about his future. His plan, he said, was to return to coaching his son’s high school team and spend time with family-especially with his son Gunner entering his senior season. But he also acknowledged that the door to coaching at the NFL level isn’t completely shut.
“There’s nothing concrete to that,” Rivers said. “I think if this past month has taught me anything, it’s to be open to whatever comes. Then you go from there.”
Rivers added, “I do think, as humbly as I can say it, that I could coach at this level. I know enough about the game and about the guys, and from a leadership standpoint, camaraderie, all that comes with it. But, again, that’s not something that I’m sitting here pursuing.”
It’s clear that Rivers isn’t actively chasing an NFL job, but he’s also not turning away from the idea. And it sounds like the Bills are at least curious about what he could bring to the table.
There’s also a notable connection to consider: Josh Allen. The Bills’ franchise quarterback is reportedly sitting in on interviews and has a close relationship with Rivers. That bond could carry weight in the decision-making process, especially for a team that’s looking to maintain continuity and maximize Allen’s prime years.
Rivers, of course, is no stranger to NFL success. Drafted in the first round back in 2004-then famously traded for Eli Manning-he spent 16 seasons with the Chargers before a one-year stint with the Colts in 2020. He retired after that season and shifted to high school coaching, only to make a surprise return to the NFL with Indianapolis late in 2025.
In that brief comeback, Rivers played in three games, completing 63 percent of his passes for 544 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions. It was a small sample size, but he showed he still had command of an offense.
Over his 17-year career, Rivers racked up 63,440 passing yards, 425 touchdowns, and eight Pro Bowl selections. He was one of the most durable and consistent quarterbacks of his era, known for his fiery competitiveness and deep understanding of the game.
Now, the question is whether that football IQ-and his leadership traits-can translate to the sidelines.
The Bills’ coaching search is still unfolding, and there are plenty of experienced names in the mix. But Rivers brings something different: a player’s perspective, a proven football mind, and a level of relatability that resonates with today’s athletes.
Whether or not he lands the job, the fact that he’s in the conversation speaks volumes. And if Buffalo is serious about thinking outside the box, Rivers might just be the kind of unconventional candidate who makes you think twice.