The Buffalo Bills made waves when they interviewed Philip Rivers for the team’s head coaching job, but they will not be hiring him to replace Sean McDermott.
Rivers has withdrawn from Buffalo’s coaching search, according to multiple reports. NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo reported the veteran quarterback ‘enjoyed the process with Buffalo’ but also noted Rivers and his family felt it ‘isn’t the right time’ for him to take on an NFL coaching job.
Rivers’ candidacy with the Bills came after he made a surprising NFL comeback at the end of the 2025 season with the Indianapolis Colts. The 44-year-old quarterback ended a retirement of nearly five years to try to guide the Colts to the playoffs in wake of Daniel Jones’ season-ending Achilles tear.
Rivers comported himself well across three starts, completing 63% of his passes for 544 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions. However, he was unable to lead Indianapolis to a win, as the team was eliminated from postseason contention in Week 17.
The veteran NFL starter doesn’t have any NFL coaching experience, but spent time at St. Michael Catholic High School, a role he has held for five seasons since his initial retirement from the NFL. The team has posted a 43-15 record under Rivers’ tutelage, per MaxPreps.com.
Meanwhile, the Bills will continue to search for a replacement for McDermott – one who has a bit more NFL-level coaching experience than Rivers.
Bills coaching candidates
The Bills have interviewed seven candidates for their coaching job, including Rivers, since firing McDermott after nine seasons. Below is a look at Buffalo’s full list of coaching interviews to date:
- Lou Anarumo, Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator
- Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator
- Brian Daboll, former New York Giants head coach
- Anthony Lynn, Commanders run game coordinator
- Grant Udinski, Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator
- Anthony Weaver, Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator
The Bills could soon add another name to their list of candidates. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported ahead of the AFC championship game Buffalo wants to interview Denver Broncos passing game coordinator Davis Webb for their head coaching job.
Webb, 31, is considered a rising star in the coaching ranks and spent the 2019-21 seasons as a backup quarterback for the Bills.