Former quarterback Philip Rivers interviewed with the Buffalo Bills for their head coaching position on Friday, marking a significant development in his career following a busy few months. At 44 years old, Rivers has yet to hold a coaching role in the NFL, having transitioned to high school coaching in Alabama after his initial retirement from professional football.
Last month, Rivers returned from a five-year retirement to conclude the season with the Indianapolis Colts. During that stint, he started three games, all of which ended in losses, as he attempted to help the Colts secure a playoff berth. This interview makes Rivers the fourth candidate to meet with the Bills since they began their search on Wednesday. The team parted ways with Sean McDermott on Monday after he compiled an impressive 98-50 record and led the team to the playoffs eight times in nine seasons. The Bills are now the tenth team to seek a new head coach this offseason.
Other candidates interviewed by the Bills include former Giants head coach Brian Daboll, who previously served as the team”s offensive coordinator, current offensive coordinator Joe Brady, and Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. General manager Brandon Beane is steering this search, with meetings scheduled to continue through the weekend. Notably, quarterback Josh Allen is actively participating in discussions with each candidate.
Owner Terry Pegula made the decision to let McDermott go following a narrow 33-30 overtime defeat against the Denver Broncos in the playoffs. Despite leading the Bills to seven consecutive seasons with at least ten wins, McDermott was unable to guide the team to a Super Bowl appearance. Pegula felt that the team had reached what he described as “the proverbial playoff wall” under McDermott”s leadership, making the Bills the first team in NFL history to win playoff games in six straight years without reaching the Super Bowl.
Rivers has maintained a close relationship with Allen, having served as a mentor. “Philip”s one of the greatest to ever play the game,” Allen remarked last month when Rivers announced his return from retirement. “We”ll see how it works out. I”m rooting for him, though, because he”s another great human being.”
Rivers played 17 seasons in the NFL before retiring in 2021 and took a position overseeing the football program at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama. His last playoff appearance was a 27-24 loss to the Bills in the wild-card round of the 2020 season. He rejoined the Colts after Daniel Jones sustained a season-ending injury and with rookie backup Riley Leonard dealing with an injured knee. Rivers spent the majority of his career with the Chargers, where he established franchise records with 59,271 passing yards and 397 touchdown passes. He ranks eighth on the NFL”s career passing yards list with 63,984 yards and is sixth in touchdown passes with 425.
