Buffalo Bills’ Coaching Search Takes an Unexpected Turn

The Buffalo Bills have been actively searching for a new head coach following the departure of Sean McDermott, and their latest developments could bring some surprising names into the mix. While the team watched the New England Patriots easily advance to the Super Bowl, the Bills’ win on Sunday opened up new possibilities in their coaching search.

One of the most notable developments is the potential interest in Davis Webb, the former backup quarterback for Josh Allen. Webb currently serves as the passing game coordinator for the Denver Broncos and has already been in talks for other head coaching positions. The NFL’s rules previously prevented the Bills from meeting with candidates still in the playoffs, but the Broncos’ loss in the AFC Championship game now allows them to move forward with interviews.

A Strong Contender in Davis Webb

Webb, who is 30 years old, has been gaining attention as a potential candidate for the Bills’ head coaching job. According to SI.com’s Randy Gurzi, Webb is among the most likely contenders to replace McDermott. Despite not being the most experienced candidate, Webb has played a key role in helping the Broncos develop Bo Nix, who led the team to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Las Vegas Raiders are set to meet with Webb this week regarding their head coaching vacancy. Meanwhile, the Bills also want to meet with him, but they must wait until the Broncos’ season concludes. This delay was due to the NFL’s rule that prevents teams from interviewing active playoff participants.

Webb has already had four interviews this cycle and could add another one soon. His experience in developing quarterbacks and his understanding of offensive strategies make him an attractive option for the Bills.

Surprising Names in the Coaching Search

In addition to Webb, the Bills have met with several other candidates for the head coaching position. Some of these names were expected, such as Brian Daboll, the former offensive coordinator. However, others came as a surprise, including Philip Rivers.

Rivers, a former NFL quarterback, has only coaching experience at the high school level. However, he has expressed openness to taking on an NFL coaching role. In fact, he mentioned during the season that he believed he could coach at this level, citing his knowledge of the game and leadership skills.

Josh Allen has also publicly praised Rivers, especially after his return to the NFL this year. Allen noted how inspiring it was to watch Rivers lead the Indianapolis Colts, even though the team was short-handed.

“[Rivers’ return is] really cool,” Allen said in December. “I didn’t know what to expect, obviously, when he came back, but it’s really awesome. Just the way that he’s gone back out there. He was deciphering that defense extremely well and making some plays for his team, and it was inspiring to watch.”

Despite his interest in coaching, Rivers has not pursued any NFL opportunities yet. He has remained focused on his current role while keeping the possibility open for the future.

What Comes Next for the Bills?

As the Bills continue their search for a new head coach, they are considering a mix of familiar and unexpected names. The potential interest in Webb and Rivers shows that the team is looking for someone who can bring both experience and fresh perspectives to the program.

With the NFL calendar moving forward, the Bills will have more opportunities to evaluate their options. Whether they go with an established name or a rising star, the decision will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the franchise.