The Bills have begun the interview process for their head coaching vacancy, requesting interviews with a mix of internal candidates, former head coaches, and rising coordinators across the league. Here’s a breakdown of each candidate, their background, and any ties to Buffalo.
Joe Brady, Bills Offensive Coordinator
Brady is the in-house option and one of the strongest candidates on the list. Brady previously served as the Panthers’ offensive coordinator and LSU’s passing game coordinator during their historic 2019 title run. His familiarity with the roster and quarterback gives him a clear advantage.
Grant Udinski, Jaguars Offensive Coordinator
Udinski is one of the younger names on the list and a rising offensive coach. He has worked closely with Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville and is viewed as a modern offensive mind with strong quarterback development traits. Udinski has no prior ties to Buffalo but is drawing MAJOR interest around the league.
Brian Daboll, Former Giants Head Coach
Daboll is a familiar name in Buffalo, having served as the Bills’ offensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021, playing a massive role in Josh Allen’s emergence as an MVP-caliber quarterback. Daboll later became the Giants’ head coach, leading them to a playoff appearance before being let go this season. His strong relationship with Brandon Beane and past success in Buffalo make him a serious contender.
Lou Anarumo, Colts Defensive Coordinator
Anarumo is best known for his time as the Bengals’ defensive coordinator, where he built one of the league’s most effective postseason defenses. Now with the Colts, he brings ageless experience on the defensive side of the ball. Anarumo does not have direct Bills ties but is respected league-wide.
Anthony Weaver, Dolphins Defensive Coordinator
Weaver has emerged as a fast-rising defensive coach in Miami. He previously worked under multiple defensive systems and is considered a strong leadership candidate. While he lacks a direct Bills connection, Weaver would be a fantastic hire.
Anthony Lynn, Commanders Running Backs Coach
Lynn has one of the strongest connections to Buffalo. He previously served as the Bills’ assistant head coach and was a finalist for the job in 2017 before it ultimately went to Sean McDermott. Lynn later became the Chargers’ head coach, posting a 33-31 record. Since then, he has worked under coaches including Dan Campbell, Kyle Shanahan, and Dan Quinn.
Mike McDaniel, Chargers Offensive Coordinator
McDaniel is officially interviewing with the Bills for their head coaching job on Friday. He is widely expected to take the Chargers job, but is still weighing his options. McDaniel is regarded as one of the league’s brightest offensive minds and is known for maximizing quarterback efficiency. He has extensive familiarity with Buffalo from game-planning against them twice a year in the AFC, giving him firsthand experience facing Josh Allen and the Bills defense. While Buffalo is viewed as a long shot, the interview signals legitimate interest and keeps him in the conversation, at least for now.
Philip River, Former NFL Quarterback
After returning this season to play in three games at 44 years old, recording 544 passing yards and 4 touchdowns, Philip Rivers is now set to interview with the Bills on Friday for their head coaching position. Rivers has a unique connection to Buffalo beyond this interview. His last NFL playoff game was against Josh Allen and the Bills, which could make this a full-circle moment if he lands the job. He also has previous coaching experience at the high school level, having worked with developing quarterbacks at his alma mater.
Nate Scheelhaase, Rams Pass Game Coordinator
Scheelhaase is one of the league’s rising young offensive minds and now enters the Bills’ head coaching conversation at just 35 years old. A four-star dual-threat quarterback recruit, Scheelhaase went undrafted in 2014 but transitioned into coaching, quickly rising through the ranks. He started as a youth pastor in Louisville, Kentucky, before joining his alma mater, Illinois, and then moving on to Iowa State. From there, he joined the Rams’ staff and eventually became their pass game coordinator.
Davis Webb, Broncos Passing Game Coordinator
Webb is another young, offensive-minded candidate drawing interest for Buffalo’s head coaching vacancy. A former first-round quarterback out of Cal, Webb has carved out a coaching path focused on quarterback development. He currently serves as Denver’s passing game coordinator and QB coach. While Webb does not have prior ties to Buffalo, his experience designing passing schemes makes him an intriguing option for a Bills team looking to maintain Josh Allen’s growth.