Philip Rivers is stepping back-for now.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the former Colts and Chargers quarterback has officially withdrawn from consideration for the Buffalo Bills’ head coaching vacancy. While Rivers reportedly enjoyed the interview process and remains intrigued by the idea of coaching at the NFL level, the timing simply isn’t right for him and his family.
That doesn’t mean this is the end of Rivers’ NFL coaching aspirations. Far from it. But for now, the 44-year-old will hit pause on any immediate return to the league in a leadership role.
Rivers’ name had added a fascinating wrinkle to the Bills’ coaching search. A fiery competitor with an elite football IQ and 17 years of NFL experience under center, Rivers brought intrigue not just because of his résumé, but because of his potential to lead from the sidelines with the same passion he once brought to the huddle.
Let’s take a look at where things now stand in Buffalo’s search. Here’s the updated list of known candidates for the Bills’ head coaching job:
- Joe Brady, Bills offensive coordinator (Interviewed)
- Brian Daboll, former Giants head coach (Interviewed)
- Anthony Lynn, Commanders run game coordinator (Interviewed)
- Grant Udinski, Jaguars offensive coordinator (Interviewed)
- Anthony Weaver, Dolphins defensive coordinator (Interviewed)
- Lou Anarumo, Colts defensive coordinator (Interview Scheduled)
- Mike McDaniel, Chargers offensive coordinator (Withdrawn)
- Philip Rivers, former Colts quarterback (Withdrawn)
- Davis Webb, Broncos quarterbacks coach
It’s a diverse group, blending offensive minds, defensive strategists, and former head coaches with up-and-comers. And with Rivers now out of the picture, the Bills will turn their attention fully to the remaining candidates as they look to find the right voice to lead their next chapter.
As for Rivers, his football story continues to evolve. Drafted fourth overall by the Giants in 2004 and famously swapped for Eli Manning, Rivers spent 16 seasons with the Chargers before a one-year stint with the Colts in 2020. He retired after that season and returned to the game not as a pro, but as a high school coach-passing on his knowledge to the next generation.
But in a twist no one saw coming, Rivers made a brief return to the NFL at the end of the 2025 season, suiting up once again for the Colts. In three appearances, he completed 58 of 92 passes (63 percent) for 544 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions. Not bad for someone who’d been out of the league for nearly five years.
Across his career, Rivers was a model of durability and production. He played in 247 games, completed nearly 65 percent of his passes, and racked up 63,440 passing yards, 425 touchdowns, and 212 interceptions.
He added 601 rushing yards and three scores on the ground. An eight-time Pro Bowler, Rivers was known for his toughness, leadership, and an unrelenting competitive fire that made him one of the most respected quarterbacks of his era.
Whether or not he ends up on an NFL sideline in the future, one thing is clear: Philip Rivers still has plenty of football left in him-just not in Buffalo, and not just yet.