The Buffalo Bills head coach search is officially underway—and this time, it feels bigger than ever. This isn’t just about replacing Sean McDermott. It’s about one defining question:
Can the Bills finally win a Super Bowl during Josh Allen’s prime?
After nine seasons, the franchise made the bold decision to move on from McDermott, opening the door to a new era in Buffalo. With a Super Bowl-ready roster and one of the NFL’s most talented quarterbacks, the Bills know this hire could shape the next decade of football in Western New York.
In this news-style breakdown, we cover:
- The full list of head coach candidates
- Who has already interviewed
- Josh Allen’s role in the process
- Cap challenges the new coach will face
- What comes next for Bills Mafia
Buffalo Bills Head Coach Candidates: Full Interview List (Updated)
Led by President of Football Operations Brandon Beane, the Bills have moved quickly and cast a wide net—mixing experience, innovation, and even a wildcard name.
Confirmed Bills Head Coach Interviews
| Candidate | Current / Previous Role | Interview Status | Why He’s in the Mix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Brady | Bills Offensive Coordinator | Completed (Jan 21) | Knows Josh Allen well; offense ranked Top 3 in scoring in 2024 & 2025 |
| Brian Daboll | Former Giants HC / Former Bills OC | Completed (Jan 22) | Western NY native; helped develop Josh Allen early |
| Lou Anarumo | Colts Defensive Coordinator | Completed (Jan 22) | 13+ years NFL experience; elite defensive mind |
| Mike McDaniel | Former Dolphins Head Coach | Scheduled | Offensive innovator; led top-5 offenses in Miami |
| Philip Rivers | Former NFL QB / High School Coach | Scheduled (Jan 23) | Wildcard pick; no NFL coaching experience |
| Anthony Lynn | Commanders RB Coach | Scheduled | Former Bills interim HC; 33–31 record with Chargers |
| Anthony Weaver | Dolphins Defensive Coordinator | Scheduled (Jan 24) | Former Bills DL coach; strong defensive résumé |
| Grant Udinski | Jaguars Offensive Coordinator | Scheduled | Just 30 years old; fast-rising offensive mind |
Josh Allen’s Role: Why This Search Is Different
One of the biggest storylines in this coaching search is Josh Allen’s direct involvement.
The Bills’ franchise quarterback is sitting in on every interview, signaling how serious the organization is about building a long-term partnership between coach and quarterback. Interviews began in Western New York before shifting to Florida due to severe winter weather.
Since 2020, Josh Allen has accounted for 253 total touchdowns, placing him among the most productive players in the NFL over that span.
What the Next Bills Head Coach Will Inherit
The new head coach will step into a situation filled with both opportunity and pressure.
On the positive side, Buffalo offers a true franchise quarterback, a playoff-tested roster, and one of the league’s most passionate fanbases.
However, there are clear challenges ahead. The Bills are projected to be over the salary cap in 2026, forcing difficult roster decisions. Key free agents such as Connor McGovern and Matt Milano must be addressed, while veterans like Curtis Samuel and Dawson Knox could be cap casualties. Improving the wide receiver group remains a top priority, something Brandon Beane has publicly acknowledged.
A Competitive NFL Coaching Market in 2026
Buffalo is navigating one of the most crowded coaching markets in recent NFL history.
Ten head-coaching vacancies opened across the league, and several high-profile candidates have already accepted jobs elsewhere. This competitive landscape means the Bills must balance patience with urgency, as some preferred candidates may opt for coordinator roles or other openings.
The Sean McDermott Factor
Sean McDermott’s departure still weighs heavily on the fanbase.
While many agreed that seven playoff appearances without a Super Bowl justified a change, the handling of his dismissal sparked criticism. Fans were unhappy with a poorly written press release and what felt like an impersonal goodbye for a coach who restored credibility to the franchise.
More than 30,000 fans have reportedly signed an online petition calling for McDermott’s return, highlighting the emotional complexity surrounding this transition.
Key Questions Facing the Bills
As the interview process continues, several questions remain unanswered:
Experience or innovation?
Will Buffalo lean toward a proven coach like Brian Daboll or Lou Anarumo, or take a chance on a younger, high-upside candidate such as Grant Udinski?
Offensive focus or defensive stability?
With Josh Allen in his prime, does the team prioritize maximizing the offense, or finally fixing a defense that has struggled in postseason moments?
How much influence does Josh Allen have?
Given his involvement in every interview, the final hire will almost certainly be a coach with whom Allen feels a strong connection.
What Comes Next for the Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills head coach search is more than a routine offseason move. It is a defining moment for the franchise.
With a generational quarterback, a shrinking championship window, and sky-high expectations from Bills Mafia, the pressure is squarely on Brandon Beane and Terry Pegula to make the right call.
The interviews currently taking place are just the first step. The entire city of Buffalo is watching—and hoping this decision finally leads to a Super Bowl title.