Bills Coach Tracker: Full List of Interviews As Team Seeks Sean McDermott Replacement

Buffalo is looking for a new head coach for the first time in nine seasons.

The Bills are looking for a new head coach after firing Sean McDermott. | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The search for Sean McDermott’s replacement as the Bills’ coach began just two days after owner Terry Pegula made the shocking decision to part ways with McDermott after nine seasons.

The situation in Buffalo is a bit messy in the aftermath of McDermott’s firing. Pegula and general manager Brandon Beane gave a press conference on Wednesday, and they were torn apart by fans after the duo threw the coaching staff under the bus for the selection of Keon Coleman in 2024 after two underwhelming seasons by the wide receiver. Regardless of the controversy, it’s clear the owner–GM duo wants a coach who can bring the Bills to the Super Bowl and win the title.

The Bills officially promoted offensive coordinator Joe Brady to become the new head coach in Buffalo on Tuesday, Jan. 27. He was the first candidate the team showed interest in, and the organization ultimately chose to stay in-house for McDermott’s replacement.

Here’s a look back at all the candidates the Bills showed interest in, whether that was by interviewing them or requesting an interview with them.

Bills coaching search tracker

Joe Brady, Bills offensive coordinator: For Buffalo’s first interview, the franchise began with a familiar face by speaking to their offensive coordinator on Wednesday. Brady was in this role for the past two seasons after spending the two prior seasons as the Bills’ quarterbacks coach.

Anthony Lynn, Commanders run game coordinator: Lynn used to work as the Bills’ assistant head coach and was a finalist for the head coaching job that was given to McDermott back in 2017. Now he’s back in the running in Buffalo as the team is set to interview him on Saturday. Lynn served as the Chargers coach from 2017 to ’20, posting a 33–31 record in that span.

Brian Daboll, former Giants head coach: Daboll was fired by New York back in November after a 2–8 start to the season. His name has popped up for a few coaching positions this cycle, including the Bills’ after the team requested to interview him on Wednesday. He completed his interview with Buffalo on Thursday. Daboll grew up in Western New York and worked as Buffalo’s offensive coordinator from 2018 to ‘21.

Lou Anarumo, Colts defensive coordinator: The Bills will interview Anarumo on Thursday. Anarumo is coming off one season as the Colts’ DC, following six seasons as the Bengals’ DC. He previously interviewed for the Titans and Giants positions this coaching cycle, which have been filled by Robert Saleh and John Harbaugh, respectively.

Grant Udinski, Jaguars offensive coordinator: Buffalo requested an interview with Udinski on Wednesday, and the interview is set for Sunday. The 30-year-old has a second interview with the Browns on Friday, so there’s a chance he could take another role before even speaking with Buffalo. He’s coming off one season working as the Jaguars’ OC, his first time leading an offense in the NFL.

Anthony Weaver, Dolphins defensive coordinator: Weaver is the latest candidate that the Bills set up an interview with. He’s still in the running for the Steelers head coach position after interviewing with them. Weaver has worked in the NFL since 2012, and he’s served as the Dolphins’ DC for the past two seasons.

Philip Rivers, former Colts quarterback: Following Rivers’s unexpected comeback story to the NFL this season, the Bills showed interest in talking to the former quarterback for the head coach position. Rivers interviewed with the team, but ended up removing his name from the table on Monday to instead return to his high school coaching job in Alabama, which he held before coming out of retirement after five years to help out the Colts.

Davis Webb, Broncos quarterbacks coach and pass game coordinator: After the Broncos’ AFC championship loss to the Patriots on Sunday, Webb has popped up for the Bills and Raiders jobs. Buffalo is expected to interview the 31-year-old. Webb played for the Bills from 2019–21 as a backup quarterback, mostly staying on the practice squad in that time. He’s already worked with Josh Allen because of this, so he would be pretty familiar with the current team.

Nate Scheelhaase, Rams pass game coordinator: After the Rams lost the NFC championship to the Seahawks on Sunday, Scheelhaase has remained a strong candidate for a couple head coach openings, including the Bills. Buffalo plans to interview him on Monday night after he has an in-person interview with the Browns for their position. He’s coming off of his first year as the Rams’ pass game coordinator and his second year with the team.

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