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Alaina Getzenberg
Buffalo, NY — The BillsThe search for a new head coach has intensified over the past few days and former quarterback Philip Rivers will be added to the list of candidates being interviewed on Friday, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Rivers, who has never coached at the collegiate or professional level, will interview with the Bills in Florida on Friday, sources said. He coaches at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama.
Quarterback, who retired after one season indianapolis colts In 2020, rejoined the team in December Daniel Jones Torn his right Achilles. Rivers started three games as the Colts went 0–3 and were out of the playoff race.
bills quarterback josh allen Has been in all the coaching interviews of the team so far and hopefully that continues.
“[Rivers’ return is] Very cool. I didn’t know what to expect when he came back, obviously, but it’s really awesome,” Allen said in December. “Just like he’s back there. He was understanding that defense very well and making some plays for his team, and it was inspiring to see.”
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, since 1950 only one person has played one season in the NFL and then served as a head coach the following season. Hall of Famer Norm Van Brocklin ends his 12-season career in 1960 philadelphia eaglesbecame the head coach again minnesota vikings For their first season in 1961, when they went 3–11.
Rivers, 44, played in 18 NFL seasons, 16 of which were with the chargers. Their final playoff game came against the Bills in the 2020 season, a 27–24 Colts loss.
Earlier this month, as his second stint with the Colts was coming to an end, Rivers said he would open to consideration Coached in the NFL in the future.
“I feel, as politely as I can, that I can coach at this level,” Rivers said. “I know a lot about the game and about players, and from a leadership standpoint, about camaraderie, about all the things that come with it. But again, that’s not something I’m sitting here chasing.”
The Bills are conducting what general manager Brandon Beane said will be a wide-open search, which will also include interviewing former miami dolphins Coach Mike McDaniel on Friday. Buffalo has already interviewed offensive coordinator Joe Brady, former Bills offensive coordinator and New York Giants Coach Brian Daboll, and Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. Interviews are scheduled with former Bills assistant coach Anthony Lynn, former Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and jacksonville jaguars Offensive coordinator Grant Udinsky.
Information from ESPN’s Stephen Holder was used in this report.
