Mike McDaniel just made a move that has the league scratching its head. On paper, the Buffalo Bills’ head coaching vacancy, complete with a generational talent in Josh Allen, is a crown jewel job. Yet, after reportedly scheduling a flight to Florida for a face-to-face meeting with the Bills’ brass, the former Dolphins head coach pulled the plug at the eleventh hour.

Now, he has “nixed a second interview.” 

“Mike McDaniel nixed a second interview, this time with the #Bills after withdrawing from the #Browns’ search,” Mike Garafolo reported on X. “Could conceivably still meet with Buffalo but nothing on the schedule as of now.”

The 42-year-old head coach has been one of the most sought-after names in this hiring cycle, but he appears to be highly selective. Before canceling on Buffalo, he also backed out of a scheduled second interview with the Cleveland Browns. 

The Bills’ vacancy may be prestigious, but it comes with immense baggage. Following the firing of Sean McDermott, the next coach is expected to deliver a Super Bowl. That’s why owner Terry Pegula is keeping star quarterback Allen heavily involved in the hiring process. 

He has not only been consulted but has been physically present for every interview in Florida, alongside Pegula and GM Brandon Beane. 

“Buffalo is making sure their best player, team leader, and face of the franchise is part of the hiring process,” reported Dianna Russini on X. “Josh Allen will have a significant say on the next coach.”

While Pegula insists the decision to include Allen was his own and intended to ensure the face of the franchise is aligned with the new leadership, others see it as a potential red flag. Former NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick argued that handing so much power to a player during a coaching search can create an awkward power dynamic.

Interestingly, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk suggests McDaniel’s exit may not be as influenced by Allen’s involvement as we may think. He believes McDaniel is simply avoiding an impossible situation. The expectation in Buffalo isn’t just to make the playoffs, it’s to win the Vince Lombardi Trophy, and that too immediately.

“In Buffalo, there’s nowhere to go but down, and there’s every reason to think that will happen under current ownership,” Florio noted. 

This pressure, combined with the unconventional hiring process, might have made the Chargers’ offensive coordinator role look more appealing. 

Indeed, reports from Tom Pelissero indicate that McDaniel has already agreed to become the OC for the Chargers, unless a head-coaching offer from the Raiders or Ravens (who recently hired Jesse Minter) materializes. 

McDaniel’s exit has cleared the stage for a fascinating alternative in Buffalo. 

Josh Allen’s connection to Philip Rivers

With McDaniel out of the picture, an unconventional candidate has surged to the forefront: Philip Rivers. Apparently, Buffalo has completed an interview with the former Colts quarterback on Friday. What makes him a likely contender is his connection with the reigning NFL MVP. 

According to NFL insider Albert Breer, Rivers is the one who conducted extensive classroom and field work with Allen to prepare him for the 2018 NFL Draft, which got him selected as seventh overall. Both stars were represented by the same agent. 

“He wouldn’t do this with just any team. Buffalo was different bc of his relationship with Josh Allen,” Breer reported on X. “I’d expect the Bills to get a detailed plan. Ability to build a staff will be key. Rivers has ties to plenty of coaches Frank Reich, Nick Hardwick, Chris Harris, etc.-out there.”

Top Stories

Chiefs Threaten Kansas Exit Over $3 Billion Dispute as Clark Hunt & Ownership Demand a ‘Landlord’ for New Stadium

Chiefs Officially Cut Ties With Super Bowl–Winning Coach as Travis Kelce Could Delay Retirement With Ex-Coach’s Return

Josh Allen’s Stance on Brian Daboll’s Hiring Confirmed as Bills Mafia Signs Petition for Sean McDermott’s Return

Former Eagles & Raiders Star Found Dead Near LA Homeless Camp as Homicide Investigation Begins

Cowboys Legend Michael Irvin Breaks Silence on Controversial Allegations After Wild Belt-Whipping Celebration

Historically, it is rare for a player to jump directly to an NFL head coaching role. Only Norm Van Brocklin did it in 1961. However, Rivers’ command of the game during his 2025 stint with the Colts impressed many. Also, those around him speak highly of him. Perhaps it may work in Buffalo.