Philip Rivers Interviews for Buffalo Bills Head Coaching Job

Philip Rivers Interviews for Buffalo Bills Head Coaching Job

The Buffalo Bills are searching for a new head coach after parting ways with Sean McDermott earlier this week, and one of the names they’ve now interviewed may surprise some fans.

Former NC State quarterback Philip Rivers officially interviewed for the position today, according to the team’s Head Coach Tracker.

The Bills have already spoken with Offensive Coordinator Joe Brady, former Giants head coach Brian Daboll, and Colts Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo. Rivers now joins that list as a candidate.

Bills Confirm Interview With Philip Rivers

We have completed an interview with Philip Rivers for our head coaching position.

📰: https://t.co/1vTvKN2WhM pic.twitter.com/GYlk1BH9qD

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 23, 2026

Here’s what they had to say about interviewing Rivers on their Head Coach Tracker webpage.

On Friday, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers interviewed with the Bills. He rejoined the NFL midseason to take over as the Colts’ starting quarterback, but previously coached at St. Michael Catholic High School after retiring from playing after the 2020 season.

At the high school level, Rivers achieved a 43-15 record from 2021-25 and led his team to two consecutive 4A state semifinal appearances. In 2025, he came out of retirement and played for Indianapolis. He played in three contests for the Colts, registering a 63 completion percentage on 59-of-92 pass attempts for 544 yards and four touchdowns. This marked Rivers’ 18th season as a player in the NFL. (Bills)

A Rare Coaching Path

If Rivers were to land an NFL head coaching job, it would be one of the most unconventional paths in league history.

The closest comparison might be Jeff Saturday, who became the Colts’ interim head coach in 2022 after previously coaching at the high school level. Outside of that, all you will find is NFL head coaches who got their start in the high school ranks.

A Different Path That Makes Sense

While Rivers eventually becoming an NFL head coach feels inevitable, the route there could take another turn.

It wouldn’t be hard to imagine him entering the college ranks first – learning the profession, developing quarterbacks, and building a résumé at the Power Four level.

And if we’re dreaming?

It would be hard to draw it up better than this:

• Rivers returns to NC State as an assistant coach
• Eventually takes over the program
• Leads the Wolfpack to ACC titles and national relevance
• Then makes the jump to the NFL

It might be unlikely.

But it would be one incredible story.