The list of Bills targets for their head coaching vacancy continues to grow. One of the more interesting names on the market will now receive a look. 
Philip Rivers is set to interview with Buffalo today, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The eight-time Pro Bowler briefly resumed his playing career down the stretch, making three starts for the Colts after Daniel Jones was lost to an Achilles tear. Rivers later confirmed he would not play again.
The door is open to a coaching career, however. Prior to the 2026 head coaching hiring cycle beginning, Rivers was named as a wild-card candidate to watch. As of earlier this month, he had yet to receive an interest from around the NFL. With the Bills in the midst of their search, though, at least one interview will now take place.
Before he un-retired, Rivers had been coaching his eldest son’s high school team. The 44-year-old has stated a desire to return to that role for 2026 in the absence of an NFL opportunity. Rivers’ football acumen and leadership were sources of praise throughout his decorated career, making him a logical candidate for a coaching role of some kind.
On the other hand, Rivers has never worked as a head coach, coordinator or position coach at the pro or college levels. That lack of experience would make a jump directly to the HC ranks in the NFL a risky one to say the least. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see if a mutual interest exists between the parties once this in-person interview concludes.
Sean McDermott was fired following Buffalo’s latest postseason loss. Owner Terry Pegula‘s actions and remarks since then have made it clear general manager Brandon Beane won out in a power struggle of sorts with respect to disagreements over roster construction; Beane was promoted to president of football operations earlier this week. Quarterback Josh Allen will be present for Buffalo’s upcoming interviews, and he is in position to have a “significant say” in the team’s eventual hire. It will be interesting to see how Allen feels about the possibility of Rivers (who played 17 full NFL seasons, including 16 with the Chargers) stepping into a head coaching role immediately after hanging up his cleats.
Here is an updated look at where things stand for the Bills:
- Lou Anarumo, defensive coordinator (Colts): Interviewed 1/22
- Joe Brady, offensive coordinator (Bills): Interviewed 1/21
- Brian Daboll, former head coach (Giants): Interviewed 1/22; prefers Buffalo gig
- Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Rumored candidate
- Anthony Lynn, run-game coordinator (Commanders): To interview 1/24
- Mike McDaniel, former head coach (Dolphins): To interview 1/23
- Philip Rivers, former NFL quarterback: To interview 1/23
- Grant Udinski, offensive coordinator (Jaguars): To interview 1/25
- Anthony Weaver, defensive coordinator (Dolphins): To interview 1/24
- Davis Webb, quarterbacks coach (Broncos): Rumored candidate
Didn’t the Colts already try the straight to HC approach with Jeff Saturday?
He’s 43-15 as a HC… of a HS team. What could possibly go wrong
How is this any different than Jeff Saturday becoming an intern HC?
Ownership seems like it’s on a path to being a train wreck.
NFL head coach should not be the first coaching position someone has above the high school level. Even coordinator shouldn’t be. This shouldn’t even be enough of a consideration to give him an interview.
Well, Deion was complaining years ago that he should be a college or NFL head coach without putting in his time, learning the craft as an assistant. Then Jackson State granted him his wish, probably because of his name, and then he parlayed that into his HC gig at Colorado. Look at how well that’s turned out. Silly me. I was clearly wrong about someone needing to put in time developing as a coach. I’m sure that Phillip Rivers would have the same unbridled success going from high school coach to NFL HC.
Sanders was a longtime NFL player who coached at the high school level before getting a head coach job at the college level in a lesser conference. That’s very, very different than going straight from high school to the NFL.
Please let this happen.
As much as I and tons of others would love for this to be a success, I’d really rather Rivers work his way through coaching to learn the particulars of the NFL coach experience, rather than go straight to the top. It’s just about having the knowledge, it’s about knowing how to use it.
And the expectations are set (despite Terry’s comments)
Its nuts. Winning playoff games isn’t enough – so hire the unproven wildcard?
Or consider him at least. Don’t see how it works out.
Oh dear Lord.
….Fire McDermott for just being a “good coach” but interview guys like Rivers and McDaniel and expect a SB.
This isn’t going to go well.
I would love to see Rivers prove the haters wrong…again.