Buffalo Bills Pursue Unconventional Coaching Candidates in Post-McDermott Era
The Buffalo Bills have sent shockwaves through the NFL community by lining up two surprising candidates for interviews regarding their head coaching vacancy. Following the dismissal of Sean McDermott on Monday after the team's controversial playoff loss to the Denver Broncos, Buffalo's front office appears to be thinking outside conventional boundaries.
Philip Rivers: From Retirement to Coaching Candidate
Perhaps the most unexpected name on the Bills' interview list is Philip Rivers, the 44-year-old quarterback who recently emerged from a five-year retirement to play three games for the Indianapolis Colts. Rivers stepped in after starting quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a torn Achilles, though his return resulted in an 0-3 record despite what observers described as valiant efforts in each contest.
Rivers' journey back to football has been anything but ordinary. The father of ten and grandfather of one had been coaching high school football in Alabama since his initial retirement after the 2020 season. His brief return to professional play reset the clock on his eligibility for the Football Hall of Fame, where he had been a semifinalist earlier this year.
Mike McDaniel: Offensive Guru with Uncertain Future
Meanwhile, the Bills have also scheduled an interview with Mike McDaniel, who was fired as head coach of the Miami Dolphins earlier this month after four seasons. This development comes as particularly surprising given that McDaniel reportedly agreed earlier this week to become the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers under head coach Jim Harbaugh.
The situation mirrors recent NFL contractual arrangements. According to reports, if McDaniel doesn't secure the Buffalo head coaching position, he would honor his agreement with the Chargers. This arrangement is similar to the Minnesota Vikings' agreement with defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who signed an extension contingent on him not landing a head coaching job elsewhere.
McDaniel's Coaching Record and Reputation
During his tenure with the Dolphins, McDaniel compiled a 35-33 regular season record and led the team to the playoffs twice, though both postseason appearances ended in defeat. He has developed a reputation as an offensive innovator, having orchestrated the NFL's second-ranked offense in 2023 when the Dolphins scored an impressive 496 points.
McDaniel's interview with Buffalo comes after reports that he cancelled a meeting with the Cleveland Browns regarding their head coaching vacancy to instead work with quarterback Justin Herbert in Los Angeles.
Remaining NFL Coaching Vacancies
Of the ten head coaching positions that opened during this offseason, five have been filled as of Friday morning:
- New York Giants
- Tennessee Titans
- Miami Dolphins
- Atlanta Falcons
- Baltimore Ravens
The following teams continue their search for new leadership:
- Buffalo Bills
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Cleveland Browns
- Arizona Cardinals
The Bills have already interviewed former Giants coach and current Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, as well as current Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady earlier this week. The organization's decision to interview Rivers and McDaniel suggests they're willing to consider unconventional approaches as they seek to rebuild following McDermott's departure.
