The list of Bills targets for his or her head coaching emptiness continues to grow. Considered one of the more interesting names available on the market will now receive a glance.
Philip Rivers is about to interview with Buffalo today, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The eight-time Pro Bowler briefly resumed his playing profession down the stretch, making three starts for the Colts after Daniel Jones was lost to an Achilles tear. Rivers later confirmed he wouldn’t play again.
The door is open to a training profession, nonetheless. Prior to the 2026 head coaching hiring cycle starting, Rivers was named as a wild-card candidate to look at. As of earlier this month, he had yet to receive an interest from across the NFL. With the Bills within the midst of their search, though, not less than one interview will now happen.
Before he un-retired, Rivers had been coaching his eldest son’s highschool team. The 44-year-old has stated a desire to return to that role for 2026 within the absence of an NFL opportunity. Rivers’ football acumen and leadership were sources of praise throughout his decorated profession, making him a logical candidate for a training role of some kind.
However, Rivers has never worked as a head coach, coordinator or position coach at the professional or college levels. That lack of experience would make a jump on to the HC ranks within the NFL a dangerous one to say the least. Nevertheless, it can 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 an influence struggle of sorts with respect to disagreements over roster construction; Beane was promoted to president of football operations earlier this week. Quarterback Josh Allen can be present for Buffalo’s upcoming interviews, and he’s in position to have a “significant say” within the team’s eventual hire. It would be interesting to see how Allen feels about the potential for Rivers (who played 17 full NFL seasons, including 16 with the Chargers) getting into a head coaching role immediately after hanging up his cleats.
Here is an updated take a 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