Who's out there for the Buffalo Bills? Possible replacements for Sean McDermott

Who's out there for the Buffalo Bills? Possible replacements for Sean McDermott

Having announced their firing of Sean McDermott on Monday, the team is now on the hunt for a head coach for the first time since 2017. Here's a look at some of the probable candidates.

buffalonews.com

The Buffalo Bills' coaching search is on.

Having announced their firing of Sean McDermott on Monday, the team is now on the hunt for a head coach for the first time since 2017. Brandon Beane, promoted Monday to president of football operations, will lead the coaching search.

For prospective candidates, the opportunity to coach the Bills and quarterback Josh Allen should be appealing.
Here's an early look at some of the probable candidates:

Joe Brady, 36​

Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady might draw some attention to succeed Sean McDermott
Joshua Bessex, Buffalo News

Internally, the Bills could interview offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who on Sunday completed head coaching interviews with the Baltimore Ravens, the Miami Dolphins and Las Vegas Raiders, less than 24 hours after the Bills' crushing 33-30 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the AFC divisional playoffs. Brady first joined the Bills staff in 2022 as the quarterbacks coach. He took over as interim OC when Ken Dorsey was fired, and was later officially promoted to the role.

Brian Daboll, 50​

Former Giants coach Brian Daboll is among the list of likely candidates to replace Sean McDermott.
Julio Cortez, Associated Press

Externally, a hot name will be former Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. Daboll, who was fired from his head coaching position with the New York Giants this year, has an excellent relationship with Allen. Daboll oversaw Allen's ascent, and Allen has spoken very highly of Daboll, even since Daboll's departure.

The offensive-minded Daboll coached the Giants from 2022 to 2025. He was the AP's Coach of the Year in his first season, but overall, he compiled a 20-40-1 record in his time there.

Daboll, 50, grew up in Western New York and has affection for the area.

Klint Kubiak, 38​

Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak walks on the field during the NFL football team's training camp July 26, in Renton, Wash.
Lindsey Wasson, Associated Press

Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak will also merit a look. Kubiak, 38, joined the Seahawks staff this year after stints with the Saints, 49ers, Broncos and Vikings.

Kubiak is the son of Gary Kubiak, the longtime NFL backup quarterback who later won a Super Bowl as coach of the Denver Broncos.

Klint Kubiak played safety at Colorado State but has since migrated to the offensive side of the ball.

The Seahawks take on the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC championship game on Sunday. To speak with Kubiak, the Bills would have to wait. According to NFL rules, teams cannot talk to candidates currently employed by remaining playoff teams. That will continue for the teams that make the Super Bowl until after the game.

Davis Webb, 30​

Denver Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb, left, directs quarterback Bo Nix during Back Together Weekend
at an NFL football training practice, July 26, in Centennial, Colo. David Zalubowski, Associated Press

Another up-and-comer – one who has familiarity with the Bills – is Davis Webb. The former Bills backup quarterback is also close with Allen. Webb spent 2019 to 2021 with the Bills.

Webb, 30, has catapulted quickly in his coaching career, currently serving as the Denver Broncos' offensive pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

The Broncos face the New England Patriots in the AFC championship game on Sunday. Like Kubiak, the Bills would need to wait to talk to Webb. He has, however, already talked to the Raiders and Ravens.

Other options​

With 10 head coaches fired this cycle (including McDermott), more experienced candidates are out there.

Ousted Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel has interviewed elsewhere for another shot at head coach, and he's getting some consideration for offensive coordinator jobs, as well.

McDermott's college teammate, Mike Tomlin, is also available after having resigned from the Steelers after 19 seasons in Pittsburgh.

The Rooney Rule​

The Bills, like all 32 teams, must adhere to the Rooney Rule, a policy that requires teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching and senior operations jobs.

The policy expanded in 2020 to require two minority candidate interviews, as well as interviews of minority candidates for coordinator jobs. The policy expanded again in 2022 to require that all NFL teams have at least one minority coach as part of the offensive staff.

The move came after former Dolphins coach Brian Flores sued the league, the Dolphins and New York Giants, alleging racism and violations of federal employment law, and claiming some of his interviews were a sham.

 

[HipKat]

Brady and McDaniel's names should never appear in articles about the Bills coaching job

 

[Flan]

We need a hard ass coach to push Josh to be better, not another buddy for Josh.

 

[Victor7]

We need a hard ass coach to push Josh to be better, not another buddy for Josh.

Agreed.

I think Fitz said something to that effect in his podcast with Whitmore. Josh does not need a golf buddy. He needs someone to coach him hard, to get in his face and take him to the next level.

 

[HipKat]

Philip Rivers to interview Friday for Buffalo Bills coaching vacancy, source says​

Philip Rivers to interview Friday for Buffalo Bills coaching vacancy, source says

Rivers has coached St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Ala., but does not have NFL or college coaching experience.

buffalonews.com

Buffalo Bills president and general manager Brandon Beane said that the coaching search for the team is wide open. The Bills are proving it.

Philip Rivers, fresh off a fill-in quarterbacking stint, will interview with the team for the team's head coaching vacancy, a source confirmed to The Buffalo News. ESPN's Adam Schefter was first to report the news.


Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano rushes Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers during the third quarter on Jan. 9, 2021.
Harry Scull Jr. /Buffalo News

Rivers, 44, came out of retirement this year to play for one of his former teams, the Indianapolis Colts. Rivers has coached St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Ala., but does not have NFL or college coaching experience.

In December, Bills quarterback Josh Allen was asked about Rivers returning to play.

"Didn't know what to expect, obviously, when he came back, but it's really awesome," Allen said. "Just the way that he's gone back out there. He was deciphering that defense extremely well and making some plays for his team."

Rivers, an Alabama native and an NC State product, was selected No. 4 overall in the 2004 NFL draft by the New York Giants. The Giants traded him to the then-San Diego Chargers during the draft. He played for the Chargers through their move to Los Angeles, and in 2020, he entered free agency. Rivers then spent one season with the Indianapolis Colts.

After 17 seasons in the NFL, Rivers first retired in January, 2021. He then began coaching St. Michael Catholic in 2021. He has posted a 44-16 record there. But the lack of coaching at a higher level is obviously a concern.

But then in December of 2025, after Colts quarterback Daniel Jones suffered an Achilles injury, Rivers came out of retirement to play three more games for Indianapolis.

 

[HipKat]

Bills to interview former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel​

Bills to interview former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel

McDaniel, 42, was fired by Miami after the 2025 season. He led the Dolphins to a 35-33 record in four seasons on the job.

buffalonews.com

he Buffalo Bills are taking their search for a head coach to South Florida.

The team will interview former Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel on Friday for their head coaching vacancy, a league source confirmed to The Buffalo News – the fourth confirmed interview for the team after Sean McDermott was fired Monday.


Former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel will interview with the Buffalo Bills on Friday for their head coaching vacancy.
Joshua Bessex, Buffalo News

McDaniel, 42, was fired by Miami after the 2025 season. He led the Dolphins to a 35-33 record in four seasons on the job. The Dolphins made the playoffs in both 2022 and 2023, losing to the Bills and Chiefs, respectively, in the wild-card round after those years. The Dolphins cratered to a 15-29 record the past two seasons, leading to both McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier getting fired.

Still, McDaniel is considered an intriguing offensive mind to pair with Bills quarterback Josh Allen. The Dolphins led the NFL in total offense in 2023, as Tau Tagovailoa threw for an NFL-best 4,624 yards. Tagovailoa, however, dealt with significant injuries during his time under McDaniel, including multiple concussions. His play unraveled in 2025, and he was eventually benched.

McDaniel previously served as offensive coordinator in San Francisco under Kyle Shanahan.

McDaniel has agreed to become the Los Angeles Chargers' offensive coordinator should he not land a head coaching job.

Additionally, The News has learned the Bills plan to conduct head coaching interviews Saturday with Anthony Lynn and Anthony Weaver.

Lynn, 57, is the running backs coach and run game coordinator for the Washington Commanders. He previously served as the Bills' running backs coach, offensive coordinator and assistant head coach from 2015-16 under former head coach Rex Ryan. Lynn was the Bills' interim head coach for the final game of the 2016 season after Ryan was fired. He interviewed for the team's opening at head coach, but the job ultimately went to McDermott.

Lynn was named the Los Angeles Chargers' head coach that offseason, and went 33-31 over four seasons, making one playoff appearance.
Weaver, 45, has served as the Dolphins' defensive coordinator the past two seasons. He also has experience with the Bills, spending the 2013 season as the team's defensive line coach under former head coach Doug Marrone.

Weaver has been a finalist for several head coaching jobs in the past, and could be considered for the Bills' defensive coordinator position depending on which direction the team goes at head coach. The Dolphins have hired Jeff Hafley as head coach, and it remains to be seen if he'll retain any of Miami's previous assistant coaches, including Weaver.

 

[Flan]

The options suck

 

[HipKat]

The options suck

Are you including guys whose teams are still playing?

 

[Flan]

Are you including guys whose teams are still playing?

No, I am not. But they all will be first time HCs correct?

 

[HipKat]

Lance Lysowski: How involved should Josh Allen be in the Bills' coaching search?​

Lance Lysowski: How involved should Josh Allen be in the Bills' coaching search?

Wisely, Terry Pegula invited his star quarterback to be in the room when ownership and management interview each candidate. Allen earned a seat at the table, and his opinion matters, Lysowski says.

buffalonews.com

Firing the second-winningest coach in Buffalo Bills history, the one who ended a 17-year playoff drought and twice led the franchise to the AFC championship game, should have waited until after owner Terry Pegula broke the news to Josh Allen.

The superstar quarterback wasn’t going to change Pegula’s mind. He didn’t need Allen’s approval, either. The Bills are Pegula’s team, and he cannot allow players’ opinions to guide his decisions. Another heartbreaking, season-ending loss short of the Super Bowl convinced Pegula he needed to replace Sean McDermott. But Allen deserved to know beforehand.


Bills quarterback Josh Allen looks up at the scoreboard from the bench during the third quarter of the
AFC divisional game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Jan. 17. Harry Scull Jr., Buffalo News

The next steps for Allen and the Bills are more important than the events of the past week. Wisely, Pegula invited Allen to be in the room when ownership and management interview each candidate. He earned a seat at the table, and his opinion matters. The job isn’t one of the most

The Bills can’t select their next coach with only Allen in mind, though. There are 52 other players on the roster. Allen should have a say, and general manager and president Brandon Beane should make the decision. Allen's relationships with Brian Daboll and Joe Brady matter, but we’ve been reminded in the playoffs each of the past seven years that it’s going to take more than the quarterback to get this team to the top of the mountain.

Do not underestimate Allen’s ability to build a relationship and chemistry with someone new. Each candidate, no matter their background and experience, must communicate a clear plan on how to fix a defense that hasn’t gotten the job done in any of these playoff losses. Over their last six postseason defeats, the Bills allowed an average of 33.2 points and 413.5 total yards.

If you’re bringing in an offensive-minded coach, who will be their defensive play-caller? Which position coaches can they hire? The next staff needs to have success developing and preparing young players. The Bills are paying foundational players too much money to rely only on veterans. They probably can’t afford to overhaul their defense to fit a completely different scheme.

If you’re ranking the factors Beane must consider, Allen is at the top. But the Bills need to balance his success and opinions with the big picture. It’s safe to assume he’d be pleased with Daboll or Brady. Allen is close with both coaches, and their guidance helped him develop into arguably the best all-around player in the NFL. Neither is without faults, though. The tools those two gave to Allen won’t necessarily work best for the reigning MVP in the future. Sometimes a general manager has to protect a team's best player from himself. Remember, Allen wanted Ken Dorsey to replace Daboll as offensive coordinator, and that didn't end well.

Allen will be 30 years old at the start of the 2026 season. He’s not going to have elite athleticism forever. The Bills eventually need to adjust their offensive plans to help him win the game with intellect and his right arm rather than using his legs to make remarkable out-of-structure plays. There are too many questions surrounding Daboll’s offensive philosophy, including those in New York that led to his firing, to assume he’s the right person for the job. And, despite Buffalo’s success on offense the past two seasons, there were too many games during 2025 when Brady’s play-calling made it look so difficult for Allen.

If you don’t want to pay for a true No. 1 perimeter wide receiver, then who’s going to help you maximize the talent on offense? It’s fair to question whether Brady is the right person for the job, and he’s never been a head coach at any level. If the Bills decide at the end of this process that either Daboll or Brady is the best person for the job, fair enough.

Beane should not be afraid to hire someone who’s never worked at One Bills Drive. The pool of candidates is filled with fascinating football minds. Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski is only 30 years old, and he comes across as a brilliant strategist during press conferences. No one expected much when the Los Angeles Rams hired Sean McVay, and he led them to a Super Bowl. Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak should also be near the top of the list. He learned under Kyle Shanahan, part of a robust coaching tree that’s helped maximize quarterbacks’ potential. Kubiak would be able to build a solid coaching staff, too.


Bills quarterback Josh Allen, right, is close with offensive coordinator Joe Brady,
whose guidance has helped him become the NFL's MVP last season. Harry Scull Jr., Buffalo News

Maybe it’s time for different voices to surround Allen and the Bills. Too often, they looked and played tight in critical moments during playoff games. Pegula acknowledged the significant risk in firing McDermott, who led the Bills to the divisional round in six straight seasons. The owner knows this could blow up in his face, and he’s not wrong. Swing for the fences, then. Be bold. Don’t make the safe hire to try to mitigate that risk. Don’t be in a rush to hire someone.

It's encouraging to see the wide array of candidates getting an audience with the Bills. They have nothing to lose, so gain insight from people like Mike McDaniel and Anthony Weaver. The list of interviews supports Beane's assertion that Buffalo didn't have someone in mind when McDermott got fired. Good. This hire can't be like the one Pegula made in 2024, when he introduced Lindy Ruff as Sabres coach six days after Don Granato was fired.

Beane doesn’t need to make an outside-the-box hire. Now is not the time to experiment with a first-time NFL coach like retired quarterback Philip Rivers. But perhaps the message got stale with McDermott and it’s time to bring in someone with fresh ideas and a different lens. The person also needs to have the personality to handle the challenge that’s ahead.

It's a pressure-packed job that comes with a roster in need of reinforcements. The Bills lost beloved offensive line coach Aaron Kromer before McDermott’s firing. Chris Tabor, their special teams coordinator, also left for the same role in Miami. Their long list of potential free agents includes center Connor McGovern, left guard David Edwards, wide receiver Brandin Cooks, edge rusher Joey Bosa, edge rusher A.J. Epenesa, linebacker Matt Milano, cornerback Tre’Davious White and safety Jordan Poyer.

Don’t worry too much about money right now. Beane can pull off some salary-cap gymnastics to perform surgery on this roster. First, though, he has to hire the right coach. His first search will be his last if this ends badly. The coming days are arguably the most important the franchise has faced since the Bills selected Allen with the seventh pick in the 2018 draft. The owner and general manager need to listen to their quarterback's feedback, but it's up to them to get this right.

 

[HipKat]

Note: some of these have already interviewed​

Bills candidate outlook: Key stats and stating a case for each​

Bills candidate outlook: Key stats and stating a case for each

A search committee that includes quarterback Josh Allen is meeting with a wide array of candidates to determine who should replace Sean McDermott as the Buffalo Bills' coach.

buffalonews.com

A search committee that includes quarterback Josh Allen is meeting with a wide array of candidates to determine who should replace Sean McDermott as the Buffalo Bills' coach.

General manager and president of football operations Brandon Beane is leading the search. He's joined by Allen; Bills President of Business Operations Pete Guelli; owner Terry Pegula and his daughter, Laura; and assistant general managers Brian Gray and Terrance Gray.
Here's a snapshot of the candidates we know will interview:

Brian Daboll​

Current position: Fired as the New York Giants' head coach after a 2-8 start to the 2025 season.

Background: A 24-year coaching veteran who attended St. Francis, Daboll was voted the Associated Press' Assistant Coach of the Year in 2020 for his work with the Bills. He was on the New England Patriots' staff during four Super Bowl victories and helped Alabama win a national championship in 2017. Daboll also was named the AP's Coach of the Year in 2022 for leading the Giants to a 9-7 record and playoff appearance. He went 11-33 for the rest of his tenure.

Key statistic: Allen reached new heights under Daboll in 2020, when the Bills quarterback set single-season franchise records with 4,544 yards, 37 touchdowns passes, a 69.2 completion percentage and a 107.2 passer rating.

Case for Daboll: None of the other candidates have as much experience and pedigree as Daboll. He'd galvanize the locker room and understands the culture that's already in place. Daboll worked with Beane and Pegula, plus Daboll has a close relationship with Allen. Daboll should be able to hire a strong staff – his assistant coaches in New York were a topic of criticism – but did he learn from the mistakes that led to his exit with the Giants? How will his offense differ this time around? The Bills can't spam quarterback-designed runs when Allen is 30 years old. Who will call the plays and what's the plan on defense?

Harry Scull Jr., Buffalo News

Joe Brady​

Current position: Bills offensive coordinator.

Background: Brady learned under Sean Payton in New Orleans before the Bills' play-caller helped LSU win a national championship with Joe Burrow at quarterback. Brady was the Carolina Panthers' offensive coordinator for nearly two seasons before he arrived in Buffalo as quarterbacks coach in 2022. He was promoted to offensive coordinator in November 2023.

Key statistic: In seven playoff games with Brady as their offensive coordinator, the Bills averaged 28.4 points and 377.6 yards.

Case for Brady: Continuity. The Bills wouldn't have to overhaul their personnel on offense. The same schemes that produced the NFL MVP and rushing champion could remain. Hiring Brady would go over well in the Bills' locker room and, theoretically, he should be able to continue the winning culture established by McDermott. The team could hire an up-and-coming coach to call plays, with Brady hiring an experienced defensive coordinator to strengthen that unit.

There are questions surrounding Brady's candidacy, though. He's never been a head coach at any level. Could he hire an experienced, effective staff that's capable of developing players? Is Brady going to call plays? If not, are you getting the most out of him? Can he handle the pressure that will come with the job? Many fans wouldn't love this hire, so how would the Bills sell this to the public?

Joshua Bessex, Buffalo News

Anthony Weaver​

Current position: Defensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins since 2024.

Background: A longtime assistant coach – including 2013 as the Bills' defensive line coach – Weaver became a head coach candidate through his work as the Baltimore Ravens' defensive line coach, assistant head coach and run-game coordinator.

Key statistic: In 2024, before the Dolphins stripped their defense of talent, Miami ranked fourth in total defense and ninth in Next Gen Stats' expects points added per play.

Case for Weaver: For the Bills to reach new heights, they need to fix their defense. Weaver is an accomplished coordinator who could get more out of the players on Buffalo's roster. The Ravens' run defense ranked first and third in 2021 and 2022, respectively, while Weaver was in charge. If the Bills opt for another defensive-minded coach, they could retain Brady or hire an up-and-coming play-caller to lead the offense. Or, Weaver could emerge as a candidate to be their defensive coordinator if he's not retained in Miami by Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley.

Adrian Kraus, Associated Press

Anthony Lynn​

Current position: Running backs coach and run game coordinator for the Washington Commanders since 2024.

Key statistic: Lynn led the Chargers to a 12-4 record in 2018, with quarterback Philip Rivers throwing for 4,308 yards and 32 touchdowns.

Case for Lynn: Lynn is an outstanding assistant coach. In 2025, Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, a seventh-round pick, rushed for 805 yards. But the Los Angeles Chargers went a combined 33-31 and one playoff appearance during Lynn's four seasons as their head coach from 2017 through 2020. The Commanders' offensive coordinator, Kliff Kingsbury, parted ways with the team, so Lynn may be a candidate to return to Buffalo as an assistant. He was the team's assistant head coach and running backs coach in 2015 and 2016.

Paul Sancya, AP file

Grant Udinski​

Current position: Offensive coordinator of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Background: Udinski is viewed as one of the NFL's bright, up-and-coming coaches. He's only 30 years old and broke into the NFL in 2020 as a coaching assistant with the Carolina Panthers, who had Brady as their offensive coordinator. Udinski spent three seasons on Kevin O'Connell's staff with the Minnesota Vikings, before he joined Liam Coen in Jacksonville.

Key statistic: Jaguars first-year coach Coen called the plays in Jacksonville, but Udinski had a hand in helping quarterback Trevor Lawrence throw 18 touchdowns and three interceptions over the team's last six games.

Case for Udinski: Unproven coaches have won in the NFL. Sean McVay was 31 when he got hired by the Rams and led the franchise to the playoffs with 11 wins. The Bills could hire someone like Udinski and hand the defense over to an experienced coordinator. Younger coaches tend to have an easier time connecting with players, but there's significant risk in hiring someone who's never called plays or led a program at any level.

Gary McCullough, Associated Press

Lou Anarumo​

Current position: Defensive coordinator of the Indianapolis Colts.

Background: Emerged as one of the NFL's best defensive play-callers and strategists in Cincinnati, where Anarumo helped the Bengals reach Super Bowl LVI by holding Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs to a field goal in the second half. The Bengals intercepted Mahomes in overtime to beat the Chiefs, 27-24, and Cincinnati lost to the Rams in the Super Bowl, 23-20.

Key statistic: The Colts this season ranked 31st in passing yards allowed per game (247.9), 15th in sacks (39), 16th in Next Gen Stats' pressure rate, seventh in rushing yards allowed pre game (101.9) and 21st in points allowed per game (24.2).

Case for Anarumo: It's not a bold prediction to suggest there's little to no chance the Bills hire Anarumo. His stock is not as high as it was in 2023 when he was a finalist for Arizona's head coach vacancy. That said, he's worth interviewing because he's a respected, experienced coordinator who can provide insight into the Bills' defense, including personnel, and it's important for Beane to talk to assistant coaches who could become candidates for future openings on the staff of whomever Buffalo hires to replace McDermott.

Gary McCullough, Associated Press

Philip Rivers​

Current position: Came out of retirement this season to play quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts,
and his only coaching experience is at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Ala.

Background: Ranks eighth all-time with 63,984 passing yards across 18 NFL seasons.

Key stat: Only nine quarterbacks in NFL history attempted more passes than Rivers (8,226).

Case for Rivers: A fresh voice and different perspective. He understands how to lead, and his football intellect is off the charts.

AJ Mast, Associated Press

 

[HipKat]

The Athletic: Philip Rivers removes himself from Bills coaching consideration: Sources​

Philip Rivers removes himself from Bills coaching consideration: Sources

Rivers, 44, has no NFL coaching experience, but addressed the idea after the Colts final regular-season game in early January.

www.nytimes.com

 

[HipKat]

https://www.reddit.com/r/buffalobills/comments/1qnp1dc/bills_four_finalists_for_the_hc_job_are_brian

 

[Victor7]

Color me absolutely and insanely perplexed as to why Antonio Weaver and Lou Anarumo are candidates for ANY opening.

Miami's D sucks. Allen has had his way with them. Why on earth would you hire a guy that coaches a defense you've destroyed time and time again.

As for Anarumo it is universally known that other than that fluke SB run the Bengals fail and fail again because their defense can not stop a nose bleed. Anarumo was their DC for most of that time. This is just a dumb idea and reeks for Aaron Glenn to the Jets. A bad coordinator that gets HC looks for god knows what reason.