Philip Rivers enters Buffalo Bills head coaching search in surprise move
Former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers completed an interview for the Buffalo Bills head coaching vacancy on Friday, adding an unexpected twist to the team’s search following the dismissal of Sean McDermott earlier this week. The 44-year-old gunslinger, who just finished a brief three-game return with the Indianapolis Colts, now finds himself in the running for one of the league’s most desirable coaching positions.
From high school to the big league
Rivers brings an unconventional resume to the interview table. Since initially retiring after the 2020 season, he has served as head coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama while also working as a private quarterback tutor for NFL prospects. His pupils have included current professionals like New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and Denver Broncos signal-caller Bo Nix. Though he lacks professional coaching experience, his recent three-game stint with the Colts gave him current NFL exposure that few candidates can match.
Searching for McDermott’s replacement
The Bills moved quickly after parting ways with McDermott, who compiled an impressive 98-50 record over nine seasons while reaching the playoffs eight times. Despite this regular-season success, the team failed to reach the Super Bowl under his leadership. General Manager Brandon Beane is leading a comprehensive search that has already included interviews with former New York Giants coach Brian Daboll (who previously served as Buffalo‘s offensive coordinator), current offensive coordinator Joe Brady, and Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
The Allen connection
Perhaps Rivers’ strongest qualification is his existing relationship with franchise quarterback Josh Allen, who has been participating in the interview process. The two have maintained contact since Rivers’ initial retirement, with Allen publicly praising his former opponent last month by calling him “one of the greatest to ever play the game” and “another great human being.” This established rapport could prove valuable for a team looking to maximize their superstar quarterback’s prime years.
Hall of Fame credentials meet coaching inexperience
Rivers’ late-career comeback actually delayed his Pro Football Hall of Fame eligibility, but it demonstrated his continued passion for the game. His impressive playing career saw him pass for 63,984 yards (8th all-time) and 425 touchdowns (6th all-time), primarily with the Los Angeles Chargers. While his lack of coaching experience above the high school level makes him a longshot candidate, his football IQ and relationship with Allen make this one of the most fascinating storylines of the current coaching cycle.
