After firing head coach Sean McDermott, the Buffalo Bills began their HC search quickly, and with quarterback Josh Allen in his prime, they must get this hire right. The Super Bowl is this team’s goal, and whoever Buffalo hires can make or break it. Firing McDermott shocked many, and it seems the Bills are continuing that trend of surprising moves, this time being an interesting HC candidate.
Could Former NFL QB Philip Rivers Be the Bills’ Next Head Coach?
Since entering the 2026 HC cycle, the Bills have interviewed current OC Joe Brady, former Bills OC and former New York Giants HC Brian Daboll, and Indianapolis Colts DC Lou Anarumo. Brady and Daboll are the expected favorites due to their connections with QB Josh Allen, who should be a part of this search. So far, no candidates have made waves or seemed out of nowhere… until today.
Per NFL insider Adam Schefter, former Los Angeles Chargers and Colts QB Philip Rivers is interviewing today for the Bills HC opening.
ESPN sources: former Colts QB and current St. Michael Catholic High School coach Philip Rivers is interviewing today for the Buffalo Bills head coaching job. pic.twitter.com/RVfUr1swK5
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 23, 2026
This past season, Rivers returned from retirement to play for the Colts after Daniel Jones was ruled out for the year. Before that, during his retirement, Rivers served as the HC (and still is) at St. Michael Catholic High School. That is where his coaching experience ends.
Besides his league playing time, which can be very important as an HC, Rivers is underqualified for the Bills’ HC position and would be a massive risk. If Rivers were a QB coach for a few years or even an offensive coordinator, this would be another story. This would be a massive jump in coaching ranks.
When this news broke, NFL Insider Ian Rapoport explained that the Bills are searching for a leader as HC, which may explain their interest in Rivers.
Buffalo has been looking for a leader. Hard to imagine a better one. We shall see. But this is pretty real. https://t.co/VtbwihYEo4
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 23, 2026
If the Bills want a leader above all else, then yes, Rivers does make sense as a candidate, but it is a risky hire if he is the final choice. Allen is in his prime, the Super Bowl window is closing, and the roster needs upgrades. There is still a chance Rivers ends up being on the offensive staff if another candidate is hired, which is a much better idea.
