Philip Rivers ran a comeback route to play quarterback for the Colts in December, but he’s calling an out on becoming head coach of the Buffalo Bills on Monday.
Rivers, 44, played three games for the Colts and interviewed with the Bills on Friday as part of a pool of candidates talking to the team about replacing Sean McDermott. Former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, hired as the Chargers’ offensive coordinator last week, also interviewed with Buffalo.
Joe Brady, offensive coordinator under McDermott in Buffalo, Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, former Giants head coach Brian Daboll and Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski are among options remaining for the Bills’ job who’ve held formal interviews with the team.
Broncos passing game coordinator Davis Webb, 31, is scheduled to interview with the Bills. He’s a friend of quarterback Josh Allen after spending three seasons (2019-21) on the Buffalo roster.
NFL Network and ESPN reported Rivers wants to remain at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Ala., where he has a 43-15 record. He joined the coaching staff upon retiring after the 2020 season. Gunner Rivers, one of his sons, will be the team’s senior starting quarterback in August.
NFL Network reported the father-son connection played a large role in Rivers’ return to the high school ranks for 2026.
Rivers was a Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist prior to embarking on the comeback with the Colts and another longtime NFL associate, Shane Steichen. The current head coach on Indianapolis was an assistant when Rivers played for the Chargers.
Rivers spent 16 seasons with the Chargers (13 in San Diego, three in Los Angeles) and one season (2020) with the Colts before his initial retirement.
Rivers ranks sixth all-time in passing TDs (425) and eighth in passing yards (63,984) in NFL history.
