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Alaina Getzenberg
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills have ramped up their search for a new head coach in recent days, and as of Friday, former quarterback Philip Rivers has been added to the list of candidates.
Rivers, who hasn’t held a coaching position at any level before, was interviewed by the Bills on Friday in Florida, according to the team’s announcement. He currently coaches at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama.
The former quarterback, who ended his playing career after a season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2020, stepped back onto the field in December when Daniel Jones suffered a torn right Achilles. Rivers started in three games, but the Colts finished 0-3, ending their playoff hopes.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen has participated in all the coaching interviews conducted so far, and he is expected to continue doing so.
“[Rivers’ return is] really cool,” Allen remarked in December. “I had no idea what to expect when he came back, but it’s impressive to see. He was reading defenses effectively and making plays; it was inspiring to watch.”
As noted by the Elias Sports Bureau, only one individual since 1950 has played in the NFL for one year and then transitioned to a head coach position. Hall of Famer Norm Van Brocklin ended his 12-year playing career with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1960 before becoming the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings in their inaugural 1961 season, finishing with a 3-11 record.
At age 44, Rivers has played 18 seasons in the NFL, 16 of which were with the Chargers. His last playoff appearance was in the 2020 season against the Bills, where the Colts lost 27-24.
Earlier this month, as his time with the Colts came to an end, Rivers expressed interest in the possibility of coaching in the NFL in the future.
“I believe, as humbly as I can put it, that I could coach at this level,” Rivers stated. “I have a good understanding of the game, the players, and leadership dynamics. But that’s not something I’m actively pursuing at the moment.”
The Bills are running a comprehensive search, as general manager Brandon Beane indicated, which includes interviewing former Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel on Friday. Buffalo has also held discussions with offensive coordinator Joe Brady, former Bills offensive coordinator and New York Giants coach Brian Daboll, and Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. Future interviews are slated with former Bills assistant coach Anthony Lynn, former Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, and Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski.
Information from ESPN’s Stephen Holder contributed to this report.
