The Buffalo Bills are officially in head coach hunting mode, and their search is shaping up to be both wide-ranging and intriguing. With Sean McDermott out, the organization is casting a broad net-one that includes seasoned veterans, rising stars, and a few names with deep ties to Buffalo’s past.
Let’s take a closer look at where things stand.
Who’s on the Bills’ radar?
So far, the Bills have requested interviews with several candidates across the NFL coaching spectrum:
- Anthony Lynn, Commanders run game coordinator
- Grant Udinski, Jaguars offensive coordinator
- Lou Anarumo, Colts defensive coordinator
- Anthony Weaver, Dolphins defensive coordinator
In addition, there’s an expectation that the Bills will also speak with:
- Joe Brady, their current offensive coordinator
- Brian Daboll, the former Giants head coach and former Bills OC
This list gives us a pretty good idea of the kind of coach Buffalo is looking for: someone who can either continue the offensive momentum or bring a fresh identity to a team that’s been on the cusp of greatness but hasn’t quite gotten over the hump.
A familiar face: Anthony Lynn
Lynn is no stranger to Buffalo. He coached there in 2015 as the running backs coach, was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2016, and even served as interim head coach after Rex Ryan was let go late that season. He was a finalist for the full-time job back in 2017 before the team ultimately hired McDermott.
Now, nearly a decade later, Lynn is back in the picture.
Since his last stint in Buffalo, Lynn has added a wealth of experience to his résumé. He served as head coach of the Chargers from 2017 to 2020, compiling a 33-31 record and leading the team to one playoff appearance. While his tenure in L.A. ended without long-term success, he earned respect for his leadership and player relationships.
After the Chargers, Lynn had a brief run as offensive coordinator in Detroit before joining the 49ers as assistant head coach and running backs coach. In 2024, he took on the role of run game coordinator and RBs coach with Washington.
At 57, Lynn brings a steady hand, a ground-game mindset, and a track record of player development. He’s a known quantity in Buffalo-and that familiarity might work in his favor.
The young gun: Grant Udinski
If Lynn represents experience, Udinski is the high-upside swing.
At just 30 years old, Udinski is one of the youngest coaches in the league-and if hired, he’d become the youngest head coach in NFL history. But don’t let the age fool you. Around league circles, he’s viewed as a fast-rising offensive mind with the kind of innovative approach that today’s game demands.
Udinski got his NFL start with the Panthers in 2020 as an assistant, then moved to Minnesota where he worked closely with the head coach and later as assistant quarterbacks coach. His big break came in 2025, when he was hired as offensive coordinator for the Jaguars under new head coach Liam Coen.
And he delivered.
In 2025, Jacksonville’s offense finished sixth in points scored, 11th in total yards, and 12th in passing yards. While their run game lagged a bit (20th in rushing yards), the overall performance was enough to elevate Udinski’s profile significantly. He’s now firmly in the mix for head coaching jobs, and Buffalo’s interest shows they’re willing to think outside the box.
Defensive minds in the mix
The Bills aren’t just looking at offensive minds. They’ve also requested interviews with two respected defensive coordinators:
- Lou Anarumo, who’s been a stabilizing force for the Colts’ defense
- Anthony Weaver, who helped guide a Dolphins defense that’s been physical and aggressive
Both bring a different flavor to the table. Anarumo is a seasoned defensive strategist who’s known for adjusting on the fly and maximizing his personnel. Weaver, meanwhile, has built a reputation as a motivator and teacher, with experience coaching both the front seven and the secondary.
If Buffalo decides to pivot toward a more defensive identity-especially after years of McDermott’s defensive background-either of these candidates could be in play.
What’s next for Buffalo?
The Bills are at a crossroads. With Josh Allen in his prime and a roster that’s consistently been among the AFC’s best, this hire isn’t just about 2026-it’s about maximizing a championship window that won’t stay open forever.
Whether they opt for continuity with Joe Brady, a reunion with Brian Daboll, a veteran like Lynn, or a fresh face like Udinski, the decision will shape the franchise’s trajectory for years to come.
The search is still in its early stages, but one thing is clear: Buffalo isn’t leaving any stone unturned.