Bills Central

Former divisional rival spurns Bills in head coaching search

Buffalo still slated to interview multiple candidates for its head coaching vacancy
Khari Demos|
Former Miami Dolphins' head coach Mike McDaniel.
Former Miami Dolphins' head coach Mike McDaniel. | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

In this story:

Buffalo Bills | News, Scores, Schedules & Standings

In an odd turn of events, it looks like the Buffalo Bills and Mike McDaniel are not going to be joining forces after being AFC East rivals.

The Bills brass flew to Florida to interview the former Miami Dolphins head coach, McDaniel, and a litany of other candidates for their head coaching vacancy. But, according to several sources, McDaniel pulled out of the interview, leaving Buffalo with three interviews left this weekend with Anthony Weaver, Anthony Lynn and Grant Udinski.

MORE: Bills' brass reveals Josh Allen's role in wide-open head coaching search

This isn't the first time McDaniel has done this in this process. He was being considered for the Browns' head coaching role, too, but ultimately pulled out of the interview process. But he is still in the running for the Raiders' head gig, making his decision to not interview with the Bills fairly telling.

The move may be one where Buffalo dodged a bullet. Lauded for his innovative offense and run schemes, McDaniel's tenure as a head coach with the Dolphins did not produce that much success. In four seasons as head coach, McDaniel went 35-35, including the playoffs, where he went 0-2 in two appearances.

The news may be well received by a contingent of Bills Mafia, too. McDaniel is regarded as an offensive guru, but was only able to have moments of success with a core built around Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, De'Von Achane and Tua Tagovailoa.

MORE: Bills meeting with fired AFC East rival in search to replace Sean McDermott

Ultimately, this may all be for naught for McDaniel, who did sign on to become the Chargers' offensive coordinator this week. But he was scheduled to interview with Buffalo and did not honor it. This adds to an already weird dynamic that the former Miami coach has with the Bills and their fan base.

— Sign up for OnSI’s Free Buffalo Bills Newsletter —

More Buffalo Bills News:

Published | Modified
Khari Demos
KHARI DEMOS

Khari Demos is an award-winning sports media creator and is a contributor for Bills On SI. He has written sports betting article covering the NFL for The Athletic and has written pieces about the NBA, MLB, college football and basketball, and more, throughout his career.