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The Buffalo Bills bringing in Philip Rivers for a head coaching interview drew attention, but perhaps it was simply to check all their boxes as they search for Sean McDermott’s replacement.
Not so fast, dad.
Rivers, 44, surprised everyone when he returned to the Indianapolis Colts to start three games following quarterback injuries with his former team. Now he is reportedly under serious consideration for the head coaching job in Western New York.
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers runs off the field after an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
“One of the biggest stories of the year was Philip Rivers’ return to the field, unbelievable, and it’s really not over 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 real, this really happened, and I understand it’s being seriously considered.”
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 INTERVIEWED FOR BILLS COACHING JOB AFTER NFL’S BRIEF RETURN: REPORT
Rivers served as head football coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama, from 2021-24 after a 17-year career in 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 only 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,” Rapoport explained. “Philip Rivers has a strong connection in the league with veteran coaches, guys like [former Colts and Carolina Panthers coach] Frank Reich would be one, guys like [San Francisco 49ers assistant] Gus Bradley another. He could pull out an impressive staff. “It’s definitely something to keep an eye on.”
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) on the sidelines during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 6, 2020. (Troy Taormina/USA TODAY Sports)
Buffalo also continues to discuss other candidates, including Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, whom they met with on Sunday. Another top candidate is former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll, who spent years with the Bills under McDermott, working closely with MVP quarterback Josh Allen to make him one of the best in the game.
It was fun to see Rivers return to the NFL despite going 0-3. He replaced Daniel Jones, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon, playing in his first games since the 2020 season. He threw for four touchdowns and three interceptions in his three starts.
Rivers remained with the Colts in Week 18, where head coach Shane Steichen allowed rookie Riley Leonard to get his reps given the team’s elimination from playoff contention.
As the Bills continue their search, ESPN reported that McDermott could take a year off of coaching.
Philip Rivers of the Indianapolis Colts warms up before 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 at the helm of the Bills, which is the second-most wins for an NFL team since he began coaching Buffalo in 2017.
The Bills made the postseason eight times in that span, but McDermott failed to lead them to the Super Bowl despite two AFC Championship appearances. Buffalo lost both games to the Kansas City Chiefs, including the 2024 season.
