Bills’ head coach search gains new layers as intriguing connections hint at a top-tier outcome for Josh Allen
Josh Allen has been front and center throughout the entire process.
The Buffalo Bills are in the thick of it when it comes to their head coaching search. From Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski to Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, the team has been busy since firing Sean McDermott.
Heck, they could even trade for Mike Tomlin if they really felt inclined, though that feels like a stretch. One constant through all the interviews, though, is quarterback Josh Allen.
Josh Allen has special ties to multiple head coaching candidates for the Bills
Dianna Russini shared an important update after the Bills brought in former Colts quarterback Philip Rivers for an interview, with the news spreading like wildfire across social media. General manager Brandon Beane said the team would leave no stone unturned, and that’s exactly what the organization is doing.
Outside of Allen being in the interview room, he has ties to some of the candidates.
Russini shared that Allen, Rivers, and the Denver Broncos offensive pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Davis Webb, all share the same agent, an interesting wrinkle in the process.
Allen reportedly is in the interview room and literally involved in every step of the process. The Bills Mafia and the national media are split slightly on this decision, but it’s great that Allen is getting an inside track to the head coaching search.
Webb is unable to participate in any of the interviewing process until his team is eliminated from playoff contention. Once and if the team is eliminated, Webb will have his fair share of suitors lining up for a new opportunity with their organization, and Buffalo absolutely should be one of them.
It’s been widely reported that Webb and Allen have a fantastic relationship, as Webb served as Allen’s backup for three seasons in Buffalo.
Webb has already interviewed with the Baltimore Ravens and once with the Las Vegas Raiders, and he’s scheduled another interview after a “phenomenal” first.
Philip Rivers could join the Buffalo Bills even if he doesn’t get the head coaching position
Allen himself is a fan of Rivers and the work he’s put in to return to the NFL and play for the Indianapolis Colts. It was one of the most exciting storylines of the season, and Allen spoke highly of the veteran quarterback.
“[Rivers’ return is] really cool,” Allen said in December. “I didn’t know what to expect, obviously, when he came back, but it’s really awesome. 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.”
The Bills are reportedly interested in bringing Rivers in, even if it’s not for a head coaching position. They’d like to have him on staff in some capacity. Rivers has since dropped out of the head coaching race for Buffalo, but that doesn’t mean the team can’t bring him in in some capacity.
Buffalo is keeping Josh Allen involved every step of the way
Ultimately, the winner will be Allen. It’s not just sharing agents with Webb and Rivers; Allen has history with more than one potential candidate. Obviously, former offensive coordinator Joe Brady and former head coach Brian Daboll have a decorated history with Allen. Brady helped Allen win his first MVP, and Daboll helped mold Allen into the player that he is today.
Daboll and Brady have completed their first formal interview with the organization.
No matter which direction Buffalo goes, one thing is already clear: this coaching search is being conducted with Allen’s present and future front and center.
Whether that leads to a familiar face or a fresh voice, the Bills aren’t just hiring a head coach; they’re building around a franchise quarterback in the most direct way possible.