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The Buffalo Bills bringing in Philip Rivers for a head coaching interview turned some heads, but maybe it was simply to check all their fields as they search for Sean McDermott’s replacement.
Not so fast, date gum.
Rivers, 44, shocked everyone when he returned to the Indianapolis Colts to start three games after quarterback injuries with his old team. Now he is reportedly under serious consideration for the Western New York head coaching job.
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers jogs off the field after an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
“One of the biggest stories of the year was Philip Rivers getting back on the field, unbelievable, and actually it’s not done yet,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said on “NFL Gameday Morning.”
“Philip Rivers interviewed in the last few days for the Buffalo Bills head coaching job in person. That’s right, this actually happened and my understanding is that this is under serious consideration.”
The Bills announced Friday that they interviewed Rivers for their vacancy, and he has been coaching at the high school level since his retirement.
PHILIP RIVERS INTERVIEWS FOR BILLS COACH JOB AFTER BRIEF NFL RETURN: REPORT
Rivers served as football coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama from 2021-24 after a 17-year career with the Chargers organization.
Rapoport added that Rivers “crushed” the interview with the Bills, making him someone to watch in this process.
“I know he’s just been a high school coach, but he’s basically been a head coach and essentially a play-caller on every team he’s been on over the last decade or so,” Rapoport explained. “Philip Rivers has a strong connection around the league of veteran coaches that guys like [former Colts and Carolina Panthers coach] Frank Reich would be one that guys [San Francisco 49ers assistant] Gus Bradley another. He could pull an impressive staff. It’s definitely something to keep an eye on.”
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) on the sideline during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on Dec. 6, 2020. (Troy Taormina/USA TODAY Sports)
Buffalo also continues to look at other candidates, including Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, who they met with Sunday. Another top candidate is former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll, who spent many years with the Bills under McDermott and worked closely with MVP quarterback Josh Allen to develop him into one of the best in the game.
Rivers’ return to the NFL was fun to watch despite going 0-3. He replaced Daniel Jones, who suffered a torn Achilles, and played in his first games since the 2020 campaign. He threw for four touchdowns and three interceptions over his three starts.
Rivers remained with the Colts through Week 18, with head coach Shane Steichen letting rookie Riley Leonard get his reps due to the team’s elimination from the playoffs.
As the Bills continue their search, ESPN reported that McDermott could take a year off from coaching.
Philip Rivers of the Indianapolis Colts warms up prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 14, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
McDermott went 98-50 during his nine years leading the Bills, the second-most wins by an NFL team since he began coaching Buffalo in 2017.
The Bills reached the postseason eight times during that span, but McDermott was unable to lead them to the Super Bowl despite two AFC Championship appearances. Buffalo lost both of those games to the Kansas City Chiefs, including the 2024 season.
