The Buffalo Bills have ruled out Philip Rivers as a candidate for their vacant head coaching position, as the veteran quarterback decided not to pursue the role at this time.
The 44-year-old expressed appreciation for the interview process but said he and his family felt the timing wasn’t right for him to step into an NFL head coaching position.
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His candidacy followed a surprising NFL comeback in late 2025, when Rivers ended nearly five years of retirement to help the Indianapolis Colts after Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.
In three starts with Indianapolis, Rivers completed 63% of his passes for 544 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions, though he was unable to secure a win before the Colts were eliminated in Week 17.
Despite no formal NFL coaching experience, Rivers has been coaching at St. Michael Catholic High School since his first retirement. His five-year tenure has produced a 43-15 record, showcasing his ability to lead and develop young talent.
The Bills continue their search for a replacement for Sean McDermott, emphasizing candidates with more professional-level coaching experience to complement MVP quarterback Josh Allen.
They have interviewed seven candidates so far, including Lou Anarumo, Joe Brady, Brian Daboll, Anthony Lynn, Grant Udinski, and Anthony Weaver. Another potential candidate is Davis Webb, Denver’s passing game coordinator and a former Bills backup QB.
Mike McDaniel hands Bills disappointment in coaching search
Another significant setback came when Mike McDaniel withdrew from the Bills coaching process. The 42-year-old former Dolphins head coach had been scheduled for an interview on January 23 but canceled without explanation.
McDaniel, recognized for his offensive acumen, was reportedly interested in the Bills and working with Allen. However, he has already agreed to become the Chargers‘ offensive coordinator unless a head coaching offer arises.
He also canceled interviews with the Browns and has been linked to the Raiders‘ head-coaching vacancy, showing that elite candidates are weighing multiple options in this competitive hiring market.
The Bills fired McDermott following a playoff loss to the Denver Broncos, ending what many viewed as a prime chance for a Super Bowl run, especially after Kansas City, Baltimore, and Cincinnati exited the postseason early.
Buffalo struggled despite Allen‘s strong season, turning the ball over four times against Denver at Empower Field, underscoring the urgency to find a coach capable of maximizing the roster and delivering a championship-caliber season.
With Rivers stepping aside and McDaniel unavailable, the Bills face renewed pressure to identify a leader who can maintain the team’s competitive edge while guiding its MVP quarterback to the next level.