The Buffalo Bills are interviewing Philip Rivers for their head coaching position today in Buffalo. The 44-year-old former NFL quarterback, who just wrapped up a brief playing comeback with the Indianapolis Colts, steps into the mix after the Bills fired Sean McDermott earlier this week. This move comes as the team looks to find the right leader to push star quarterback Josh Allen and the roster deeper into the playoffs.
Background
Sean McDermott led the Bills for nine seasons, starting in 2017. Under him, the team became a steady playoff contender. They made the playoffs eight times in nine years and won the AFC East five years in a row from 2019 to 2024. But Buffalo never reached the Super Bowl. They lost twice in the AFC Championship Game, four times in the divisional round, and twice in the wild card round. Their latest exit came in the AFC Divisional Round against the Denver Broncos, which led to McDermott's dismissal on January 19.
The Bills now run a wide-open search for his replacement. General manager Brandon Beane has said they want to talk to many candidates. Josh Allen, the team's star quarterback and face of the franchise, sits in on these interviews. He has a big voice in picking the next coach.
Philip Rivers retired after the 2020 season following one year with the Colts. He spent 16 of his 18 NFL seasons with the Chargers organization, first in San Diego and then Los Angeles. Rivers threw for over 63,000 yards and 421 touchdowns in his career. After retiring, he took the head coaching job at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama. His son Gunner plays quarterback there and is a four-star recruit in the class of 2027.
Rivers stayed out of the NFL until late in the 2025 season. The Colts called when Daniel Jones tore his right Achilles tendon. Rivers came back after five years away. He started three games for Indianapolis, going 0-3. He completed 58 of 92 passes for 544 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions. The Colts missed the playoffs. Rivers then returned to his high school coaching job.
Teams had looked into Rivers as a coaching candidate before. Last year, they made background checks, but he never pursued it. His recent playing return changed that. Now, with the Bills opening late in the hiring cycle, he has his first known NFL head coaching interview.
Key Details
Rivers meets with the Bills today, Friday, January 23. He has no prior coaching experience at the college or pro level. His background is all as a player, especially at quarterback. That gives him a deep understanding of the position from both sides of the ball.
The Bills have already talked to several others. They interviewed offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Brian Daboll, who was once Buffalo's offensive coordinator and later coached the New York Giants, also met with them. Lou Anarumo, defensive coordinator for the Colts, is on the list. More interviews are set.
Other Scheduled Talks
The team plans to speak with Mike McDaniel, former head coach of the Miami Dolphins, also today. McDaniel recently took the offensive coordinator job with the Los Angeles Chargers. Anthony Lynn, ex-Bills assistant and former running backs coach for the Washington Commanders, is due Saturday. Anthony Weaver, Dolphins defensive coordinator, joins him that day. Grant Udinski, offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars, interviews Sunday.
Josh Allen knows Rivers from his recent Colts stint. Allen watched Rivers play and praised him.
"It's really cool. I didn't know what to expect, obviously, when he came back, but it's really awesome. Just the way that he's gone back out there. He was deciphering that defense extremely well and making some plays for his team, and it was inspiring to watch." – Josh Allen
Rivers faced the Bills in his last playoff game in 2020. The Colts lost 27-24 to Buffalo. History shows few players jump straight from the field to NFL head coach. Since 1950, only Norm Van Brocklin did it. He finished playing in 1960 with the Philadelphia Eagles and coached the Minnesota Vikings in 1961. They went 3-11.
What This Means
Hiring a coach is key for the Bills. They have a strong roster built around Josh Allen. Allen is one of the league's best quarterbacks. He needs an offense that maximizes his skills. The team expects the next coach to focus on attack. Many candidates, like Rivers, come from offensive backgrounds.
Rivers offers a quarterback's view. He knows what makes a QB succeed. He can relate to Allen directly. That might appeal in a search where Allen has input. But his lack of coaching resume stands out. The Bills talk to experienced coordinators and ex-head coaches too. Rivers is a long shot, but his playing know-how could set him apart.
Buffalo wants to end their Super Bowl drought. McDermott got them close but not over the top. Fans and players want a fresh push. The search stays busy into next week. Beane aims to cast a wide net. They narrow it down soon after these talks. Allen's role ensures the pick fits the team's core.
Rivers' high school team gives him daily coaching reps. Leading young players there built his skills. His NFL return showed he still grasps the game at a high level. If hired, he would need staff to handle defense and details he lacks. The Bills might pair him with a veteran coordinator.
This interview puts Rivers on the map. Other teams eyed him earlier when just the Giants and Titans had spots. Those teams filled them with John Harbaugh and Robert Saleh. Buffalo's late entry gives Rivers a shot at a contender. The Colts played him sparingly late, with rookie Riley Leonard starting the finale. Still, Rivers proved he can compete.
The Bills control their path. Playoff losses mount frustration. A new coach could spark change. Rivers represents an outside-the-box choice. His story—from retirement to comeback to coaching talk—adds interest. The team weighs all options before deciding.
