Philip Rivers’ NFL trajectory is one of a kind. The 44-year-old is making headlines again after securing a head coach interview with the Buffalo Bills, days after announcing his second retirement.

Earlier this week, franchise owner Terry Pegula announced the dismissal of former head coach Sean McDermott. And on Friday, Rivers was interviewed by the Bills with star quarterback Josh Allen present in the room. 

Rivers initially retired in 2021. In his last match against the Bills, the Colts quarterback threw two touchdowns for 309 yards. In the following five years, he took up coaching at St. Michael Catholic High School in Alabama. 

But as luck would have it, Rivers returned to the NFL. Upon Shane Steichen’s persuasion, the Colts’ head coach, Rivers agreed to trail practice when the starting and backup quarterbacks were out due to injuries. 

After making three starts, Rivers re-retired as a player in January 2026. 

The Bills Are Hungry to Win a Super Bowl

Their interview with Rivers comes just days after firing McDermott. 

In the nine seasons McDermott spent with the team, the 66-year-old franchise recorded 106 wins and eight playoff appearances. Although a successful coach in his own right, he never pushed the Bills into becoming Super Bowl Champions. 

And their 33-30 overtime loss to the Broncos in the 2025 postseason was the final nail in the coffin. Despite having the reigning MVP, Josh Allen, on their side, the Bills have failed to claim the Lombardi Trophy. 

Until now, no one had imagined the possibility of Rivers’ stumbling upon a coaching career in the NFL. However, in a January media session, the veteran said that he won’t be opposed to the idea. Rivers also confidently stated that he can manage the job well enough.

“I do think, as humbly as I can say it, that I could coach at this level,” Rivers said.

“I know enough about the game and about the guys, and from a leadership standpoint, camaraderie, all that comes with it. But, again, that's not something that I'm sitting here pursuing.”

“If anything I learned the last four weeks, it's take it one day at a time,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Josh Allen, who has been involved in all head coach interviews, had complimented Rivers on his return to the league. 

In December last year, Allen called the turn of events “very cool.”

“I didn't know what to expect, obviously, but it's really awesome,” he 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, and it was inspiring to watch.”

It would be interesting to see if Allen and Rivers find a synergy and turn things around for the Bills. Is this a new chapter for Rivers? And if so, how will it fare?

Tell us your thoughts on Rivers and the Bills.

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Joyita Das