Philip Rivers has removed himself from the Buffalo Bills’ ongoing head coaching search, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. His decision comes shortly after another candidate, Mike McDaniel, canceled his interview with Buffalo and instead accepted an offensive coordinator role with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Rivers met with the Bills on Friday despite having no prior NFL or college coaching background. Since 2021, the former Pro Bowl quarterback has been the head coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama, where his son serves as the starting quarterback and is entering his senior season. While Rivers reportedly enjoyed the interview process, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo noted that the 44-year-old felt the timing wasn’t right for his family to make the jump to the professional coaching ranks.
Earlier this season, Rivers briefly returned to the NFL after a five-year absence, signing with the Indianapolis Colts following a season-ending Achilles injury to quarterback Daniel Jones. Rivers started three games for Indianapolis, which went 0-3 in those appearances. He finished with 544 passing yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Buffalo’s coaching search has intensified since the dismissal of former head coach Sean McDermott. The Bills have interviewed several candidates, including Grant Udinski, Anthony Lynn, Brian Daboll, and offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
With the Denver Broncos now out of the postseason, Buffalo is also expected to interview quarterbacks coach Davis Webb. The 31-year-old previously spent time on the Bills’ roster from 2019 to 2021 and maintains a close relationship with quarterback Josh Allen.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
