The Buffalo Bills are officially in the market for a new head coach, and they’re turning to a familiar face: Brian Daboll. According to reports, the team has requested to interview the former Giants head coach for the vacancy left by the dismissal of Sean McDermott.
If you’ve been following the Bills’ coaching situation, this move shouldn’t catch you off guard. Daboll’s name has been circulating since the moment McDermott was let go, and for good reason. He’s not just another candidate - he’s got deep ties to the organization and a résumé that includes both high-level playcalling and head coaching experience.
Just a day ago, Daboll sat down with the Eagles to discuss their offensive coordinator opening, so it’s clear he’s a hot commodity on the coaching carousel. But the Bills’ interest hits a little different. This isn’t just about filling a role - it’s about potentially bringing back a coach who helped shape the identity of Buffalo’s offense during its recent rise.
Daboll, now 50, kicked off his NFL coaching career back in 2000 with the Patriots as a defensive assistant. He stayed in New England through 2006, eventually working his way up to wide receivers coach.
From there, he bounced around the league, taking on quarterback coaching duties with the Jets and offensive coordinator roles with the Browns, Dolphins, and Chiefs. Each stop added to his offensive toolbox, but it was his return to New England in 2013 as the tight ends coach that helped him refine his craft in a system built around precision and adaptability.
After a brief but impactful stint at Alabama under Nick Saban, Daboll landed in Buffalo in 2018 as the offensive coordinator. That’s where things really clicked.
He played a key role in developing Josh Allen into one of the league’s premier quarterbacks, helping transform the Bills into a legitimate contender during his four-year run. His offensive creativity and ability to tailor schemes to his personnel made him one of the most respected minds in the league.
That success led to his first head coaching opportunity with the New York Giants in 2022 - and he made an immediate impact. Daboll was named NFL Coach of the Year after his debut season, a campaign that included a playoff appearance and a postseason win.
While his overall head coaching record stands at 20-40-1, the numbers don’t tell the full story. He inherited a rebuilding Giants team and still managed to get them into the playoff picture early.
Now, with the Bills looking to reset and retool, Daboll’s return could represent more than just a reunion - it could be a strategic pivot back to the offensive identity that helped define their recent success. His familiarity with the organization, his connection with Josh Allen, and his proven ability to scheme effectively make him a compelling option as Buffalo looks to chart its next chapter.
The Bills are clearly casting a wide net in their coaching search, but if they’re serious about rekindling the spark that once made them one of the most dangerous teams in the AFC, Daboll might just be the one to light the match.