Buffalo Bills Head Coach Search Expands as Philip Rivers Interviews Amid Ongoing NFL Coaching Cycle

BUFFALO, N.Y. The Buffalo Bills head coach search entered a notable new phase Friday with the team confirming an interview with former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers, marking a breaking update in a wide ranging process aimed at reshaping the franchise after another postseason exit.

Rivers, age 44, interviewed with the Bills in Florida, according to the team. He has no prior collegiate or professional coaching experience but is currently the head coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama, where he has built a reputation as a program leader since retiring from the NFL.

The Bills search is being led by general manager Brandon Beane, who has emphasized a broad and open process following the decision to move on from the previous coaching staff. Franchise quarterback Josh Allen has participated in each interview to date, underscoring the organizational priority placed on alignment between the next head coach and the team’s long term centerpiece.

Rivers last played in the NFL during the 2020 season with the Indianapolis Colts, concluding an 18 year career that included 16 seasons with the Chargers. His final playoff appearance came against Buffalo in the 2020 postseason, a 27 to 24 Colts loss. Earlier this season, Rivers briefly rejoined the Colts in December after Daniel Jones suffered a torn right Achilles, starting three games as Indianapolis went 0 and 3 and was eliminated from playoff contention.

Historically, the move from recent player to NFL head coach is rare. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, only one individual since 1950 has played in the league one season and then served as a head coach the following year. Hall of Famer Norm Van Brocklin completed his playing career in 1960 and became the Minnesota Vikings head coach in their inaugural 1961 season.

Rivers has previously acknowledged interest in coaching at the professional level, citing leadership, preparation, and locker room management as transferable strengths developed over nearly two decades as a starting quarterback. While he has not actively pursued NFL coaching roles, his interview places him among one of the more unconventional candidates in this year’s hiring cycle.

Buffalo has also interviewed or scheduled interviews with several experienced NFL coaches and coordinators as part of its latest timeline. Those candidates include offensive coordinator Joe Brady, former Bills offensive coordinator and Giants head coach Brian Daboll, Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, former Bills assistant Anthony Lynn, former Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, and Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski.

The impact of the upcoming hire carries significant weight for the Bills outlook. Buffalo has remained a consistent playoff contender during Josh Allen’s prime but has yet to advance to a Super Bowl, fueling internal evaluation around leadership, postseason preparation, and long term roster optimization.

What happens next is expected to include additional second round interviews and further involvement from team leadership before a final decision is reached. With multiple coaching styles and backgrounds under consideration, the Bills remain positioned at the center of the NFL head coaching cycle as they determine the next steps for a roster built to contend immediately.