Philip Rivers’ surprising withdrawal from the Buffalo Bills’ head coaching search marks a significant shift in their hiring process, moving them toward candidates with proven NFL experience and away from the high-profile but inexperienced option.
The Buffalo Bills’ search for a new head coach has taken a major turn, as Philip Rivers has officially withdrawn his name from consideration. The decision, confirmed by multiple reports including one from NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo, ends the most unconventional candidacy in the NFL’s coaching cycle this offseason.
Rivers, a future Hall of Fame quarterback, was considered a dark horse candidate for the Bills’ job after he interviewed with the team. However, the veteran signal-caller and his family concluded that “it isn’t the right time” for him to transition into an NFL coaching role, despite enjoying the interview process in Buffalo.
The news comes after a whirlwind few months for Rivers, who made a stunning return to the NFL in December 2025. The Indianapolis Colts signed the 44-year-old quarterback to their practice squad just a day after his birthday, thrusting him back onto the field following a five-year retirement. The move was necessitated by a season-ending Achilles tear to starting quarterback Daniel Jones.
Rings went on to start three games for the Colts, completing 63% of his passes for 544 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions. While he played well, he was unable to lead Indianapolis to a victory, and the team was officially eliminated from playoff contention in Week 17.
His candidacy for the Bills job was unique, as he had no prior experience coaching at the professional level. However, Rivers has served as the head football coach at St. Michael Catholic High School for five seasons, compiling a remarkable 43-15 record, a fact verified by MaxPreps.com. This success at the high school level gave him a foothold in the coaching world but ultimately wasn’t enough to convince him or his family to make the jump to the NFL at this time.
With Rivers out of the picture, the Bills’ search narrows to a pool of candidates with more established NFL credentials. Buffalo has already interviewed seven individuals since parting ways with Sean McDermott after nine seasons. The list of remaining candidates includes:
- 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’ search may not be over just yet. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Buffalo has requested permission to interview Denver Broncos passing game coordinator Davis Webb. Webb, a 31-year-old former NFL quarterback, is viewed as a rising star in the coaching ranks and has a direct connection to Buffalo, having spent three seasons as a backup for the team from 2019-2021.
The withdrawal of Rivers is a clear signal that the Bills are prioritizing coaching experience and a proven track record at the highest level as they look to replace McDermott and guide the team back to contention in the AFC East.
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