Bills to interview former Colts QB Philip Rivers for head coaching Job

In a surprising twist in the 2026 NFL coaching carousel, former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers is scheduled to interview for the Buffalo Bills’ head coaching vacancy this Friday (January 23). The news was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter and has since been confirmed by multiple outlets, including Reuters, Sports Illustrated, and NBC Sports.

Rivers, 44, is best known for his 18-season NFL career, primarily with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers. Where he established himself as one of the league’s most productive and charismatic quarterbacks. After originally retiring following the 2020 season, he made a highly unexpected return in late 2025 with the Indianapolis Colts, starting three games after Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending injury. 

From High School Sidelines to NFL Head Coaching Candidate

Since retiring, Rivers has been serving as head coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama, where he’s coached his son and guided the team to back-to-back state semifinal appearances. 

What makes Rivers’ candidacy particularly noteworthy is that he has no previous NFL or collegiate coaching experience. Despite this, the Bills’ front office has placed his name on their interview list as part of a wide-open search to replace longtime coach Sean McDermott, who was dismissed earlier this week following Buffalo’s playoff exit. 

Why Buffalo Is Listening to Rivers

Several factors appear to be driving Buffalo’s interest:

• Leadership and Football IQ: Rivers’ long tenure as a starting NFL quarterback is seen as a strong foundation for coaching, with many analysts noting his deep understanding of offensive strategy and leadership qualities. 
• Recent On-Field Action: His December comeback with the Colts reminded many around the league that he still possesses command of an offense and a feel for the modern game. 
• Relationship with Josh Allen: Rivers is known to have a strong friendship with Bills franchise quarterback, Josh Allen. According to reports, Allen has been directly involved in the Bills’ coaching search, and this connection may have helped elevate Rivers’ profile for the visit. 
• Strategic Flexibility: Some sources suggest Buffalo could view Rivers not only as a head coach candidate but potentially as an offensive coordinator option if they hire a defensive-minded head coach. 

Part of a Busy Interview Weekend

Rivers won’t be Buffalo’s only interviewee this weekend. The Bills are also expected to conduct meetings with several other candidates, including:

• Former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel
• Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo
• Internal offensive coordinator Joe Brady
• Former Bills offensive coordinator and Giants head coach Brian Daboll
• Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski
• Former Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver
• Former Bills assistant Anthony Lynn
  (Sources continue to update the list as interviews unfold.) 

A Bold and Unconventional Choice

Rivers would represent a distinctly unconventional hire, jumping straight from high school sideline duties to an NFL head coaching role, but his unique background and deep football resume have generated genuine interest across the league. 

Photo by Jeffrey Beall, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Source: NBC Sports