Buffalo, NY, January 24, 2026
The Buffalo Bills have interviewed former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers for their head coaching position. This marks Rivers’ first head coaching interview following his return to the NFL after a retirement event. Rivers has extensive experience and leadership skills, and the Bills are exploring various candidates for the role after parting ways with Sean McDermott. The search includes other notable candidates, showcasing a commitment to finding the right fit for the team’s future success.
Buffalo Bills Interview Philip Rivers for Head Coaching Position
Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo Bills have conducted an interview with former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers for their vacant head coaching position. This marks the first known head coaching interview for Rivers, who returned to the NFL in December 2025 after a five-year retirement to play three games for the Indianapolis Colts. Prior to his brief return, Rivers had been serving as the head coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Alabama since 2021.
Rivers, 44, spent 18 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, before a one-year stint with the Colts in 2020. His return to the league in 2025 was prompted by an injury to Colts quarterback Daniel Jones. Despite the team’s unsuccessful playoff push, Rivers’ leadership and experience have made him a notable candidate for the Bills’ head coaching role.
The Bills’ search for a new head coach began following the dismissal of Sean McDermott after nine seasons with the team. In addition to Rivers, the organization has interviewed several other candidates, including:
- Joe Brady – Offensive Coordinator for the Bills since 2024, previously served as the team’s quarterbacks coach and interim offensive coordinator in 2023. Under his leadership, the Bills’ offense ranked among the top in the league in scoring and yardage.
- Brian Daboll – Former Offensive Coordinator for the Bills (2018-2021) and Head Coach of the New York Giants (2022-2025). Daboll played a significant role in developing quarterback Josh Allen during his tenure in Buffalo.
- Lou Anarumo – Defensive Coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts, known for his strategic defensive schemes and leadership.
- Mike McDaniel – Former Head Coach of the Miami Dolphins, recognized for his innovative offensive strategies and success in developing young quarterbacks.
- Anthony Weaver – Defensive Coordinator for the Miami Dolphins, with previous experience as a defensive line coach for the Buffalo Bills.
- Anthony Lynn – Former Head Coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, with a history as the Bills’ offensive coordinator and interim head coach.
- Grant Udinski – Offensive Coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars, noted for his rapid ascent in the coaching ranks and innovative offensive approach.
The Bills have not announced a timeline for making a decision on their new head coach. The organization continues to evaluate all candidates to find the best fit for the team’s future success.
Key Features of the Buffalo Bills’ Head Coaching Search
| Candidate | Position | Previous Experience | Interview Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philip Rivers | Former NFL Quarterback | Played 18 NFL seasons, including a brief return in 2025 with the Indianapolis Colts; Head Coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Alabama since 2021 | January 23, 2026 |
| Joe Brady | Offensive Coordinator, Buffalo Bills | Offensive Coordinator for the Bills since 2024; Quarterbacks Coach and Interim Offensive Coordinator in 2023 | January 21, 2026 |
| Brian Daboll | Former Head Coach, New York Giants | Offensive Coordinator for the Bills (2018-2021); Head Coach of the Giants (2022-2025) | January 22, 2026 |
| Lou Anarumo | Defensive Coordinator, Indianapolis Colts | Defensive Coordinator for the Colts; Former Defensive Coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals | January 22, 2026 |
| Mike McDaniel | Former Head Coach, Miami Dolphins | Head Coach of the Dolphins; Various coaching positions with the Broncos, Texans, Washington, Browns, Falcons, and 49ers | January 23, 2026 |
| Anthony Weaver | Defensive Coordinator, Miami Dolphins | Defensive Coordinator for the Dolphins; Former Defensive Coordinator for the Texans | January 24, 2026 |
| Anthony Lynn | Running Backs Coach, Washington Commanders | Former Head Coach of the Chargers; Former Offensive Coordinator and Interim Head Coach for the Bills | January 24, 2026 |
| Grant Udinski | Offensive Coordinator, Jacksonville Jaguars | Offensive Coordinator for the Jaguars; Assistant Quarterbacks Coach for the Vikings | January 25, 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Philip Rivers?
Philip Rivers is a former NFL quarterback who played 18 seasons, primarily with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, and briefly with the Indianapolis Colts in 2020. After retiring, he returned to the NFL in December 2025 to play three games for the Colts. Prior to his return, Rivers served as the head coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Alabama since 2021.
What is the status of the Buffalo Bills’ head coaching search?
The Buffalo Bills have conducted interviews with several candidates for their vacant head coaching position, including Philip Rivers, Joe Brady, Brian Daboll, Lou Anarumo, Mike McDaniel, Anthony Weaver, Anthony Lynn, and Grant Udinski. The organization has not announced a timeline for making a decision on their new head coach.
Who is currently serving as the Buffalo Bills’ offensive coordinator?
Joe Brady is currently serving as the Buffalo Bills’ offensive coordinator. He has been with the team since 2022, initially as the quarterbacks coach, and was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2024. Under his leadership, the Bills’ offense has ranked among the top in the league in scoring and yardage.
What is the background of Brian Daboll?
Brian Daboll is a former offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills (2018-2021) and served as the head coach of the New York Giants from 2022 to 2025. During his tenure with the Bills, Daboll played a significant role in developing quarterback Josh Allen, contributing to Allen’s growth into a perennial MVP candidate.
Who is Lou Anarumo?
Lou Anarumo is the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts, known for his strategic defensive schemes and leadership. Prior to his role with the Colts, Anarumo served as the defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Who is Mike McDaniel?
Mike McDaniel is the former head coach of the Miami Dolphins, recognized for his innovative offensive strategies and success in developing young quarterbacks. Before becoming the Dolphins’ head coach, McDaniel held various coaching positions with the Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Washington Football Team, Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons, and San Francisco 49ers.
Who is Anthony Weaver?
Anthony Weaver is the defensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins, with previous experience as a defensive line coach for the Buffalo Bills. Before joining the Dolphins, Weaver served as the defensive coordinator for the Houston Texans.
Who is Anthony Lynn?
Anthony Lynn is the former head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, with a history as the Buffalo Bills’ offensive coordinator and interim head coach. After his tenure with the Chargers, Lynn served as the running backs coach for the Washington Commanders.
Who is Grant Udinski?
Grant Udinski is the offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars, noted for his rapid ascent in the coaching ranks and innovative offensive approach. Prior to joining the Jaguars, Udinski was on the staff of the Minnesota Vikings as an assistant quarterbacks coach.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Buffalo Bills Interview Philip Rivers for Head Coach
Philip Rivers Interviews for Buffalo Bills Head Coaching Position
Buffalo Bills Consider Philip Rivers for Head Coach Role
Buffalo Bills Explore Coaching Options with Philip Rivers
Denver Broncos Overcome Odds Despite Bo Nix Injury
NFL Coaching Changes Signal New Eras for Teams
Denver Broncos Face Leadership Challenge in Playoffs
Eagles’ Season Ends with Narrow Loss to 49ers
Seattle Seahawks Clinch NFC West Title in Dominant Win
Buffalo Bills Secure Seventh Franchise Playoff Spot
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
