Josh Allen is playing an active role in the Bills’ search for a new head coach.
The 2024 NFL MVP has been a “constant in every single interview” and “is sitting in on everything,” according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
The Bills, who fired Sean McDermott following Sunday’s loss in the AFC playoffs to the Broncos, already have met with several candidates in Orchard Park, including former Giants coach Brian Daboll, current Buffalo offensive coordinator Joe Brady and Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
They also are slated to interview fired Dolphins coach Mike McDanel on Friday in Florida, followed by former Chargers coach Anthony Lynn and Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver on Saturday and Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski on Sunday.
ESPN reported that the team will also interview Philip Rivers after the quarterback returned to play for the Colts at the end of the season following five years in retirement, which included coaching high school football.
The Bills posted the second-most wins (98-50) of any NFL team in regular-season play since 2017 during McDermott’s nine seasons as head coach, qualifying for the playoffs eight times in that span and reaching the AFC Championship game twice.
But the Bills have not appeared in the Super Bowl since making four straight trips (all losses) from 1990-93.
Despite ceding the AFC title this season to the improved Patriots, the Bills appeared to have a strong chance to end that drought this year, especially with injured Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs missing the playoffs.
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens and Joe Burrow and the Bengals also were among those teams that did not qualify.
The 29-year-old Allen gave a tearful press conference after committing four of Buffalo’s five turnovers in last week’s 33-30 loss to Denver.
He also threw for 283 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 66 yards on the ground.
“Extremely difficult. I felt like I let my teammates down,” he said. “I haven’t been doing a lot of talking other than I love my teammates. “Extremely sorry and disappointed.
“Can’t win with five turnovers. You shoot yourself in the foot like that, you don’t deserve to win football games.”
