The Buffalo Bills are at a crossroads. After the shocking dismissal of Sean McDermott, the team is now on the hunt for a new head coach—a decision that could shape their future for years to come. But who will step into this high-pressure role? Reports are already swirling about potential candidates, and the list is both intriguing and controversial. Here’s a deep dive into the names being floated, along with some bold questions that are sure to spark debate.
But here’s where it gets controversial... While some candidates are familiar faces with proven track records, others are unproven wildcards that could either revolutionize the team or leave fans scratching their heads. Let’s break it down.
Reported Interviews
Joe Brady: Buffalo’s current offensive coordinator is reportedly in the running. At 36, Brady is young but has already impressed, earning multiple head coaching interviews since the Bills’ season ended. Under his leadership, the Bills boasted the league’s best rushing offense this season, though their passing game slipped to 15th. Still, they finished in the top 5 in scoring, averaging a solid 28.3 points per game. In 2024, his first full season as OC, the Bills had the second-highest scoring offense and a balanced attack that ranked 9th in both passing and rushing yards. Is promoting from within the smart move, or does the team need a fresh perspective?
Brian Daboll: A familiar name to Bills fans, Daboll is a local favorite who served as the team’s offensive coordinator from 2018-2021. His success in Buffalo catapulted him to the New York Giants’ head coaching job, where he won the AP NFL Coach of the Year award in 2022. However, his tenure ended abruptly mid-season this year after the Giants struggled with fourth-quarter collapses. Daboll’s strong relationship with Josh Allen could be a game-changer, but does his recent firing raise red flags, or is he the right man to reignite the Bills’ spark?
Anthony Lynn: Another former Bills coach, Lynn is reportedly in the mix. At 57, he’s spent the past two seasons as the Commanders’ run game coordinator and running backs coach. Lynn previously served as Buffalo’s assistant head coach and interim head coach in 2016. While he’s considered a long shot, his experience could make him a steady hand. Is Lynn the safe choice, or does the team need a bolder move?
Grant Udinski: Speaking of bold moves, Udinski, 30, is the wildcard candidate who’s been generating buzz. Despite his youth, he’s drawn interest from multiple teams this offseason. Udinski worked under Liam Coen in Jacksonville as the offensive coordinator, helping craft game plans that revitalized the Jaguars’ offense. Before that, he spent years with the Minnesota Vikings, climbing the ranks from assistant to the head coach to assistant offensive coordinator. In an interview with Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team, Udinski shared his behind-the-scenes insights into the life of a head coach, emphasizing his readiness for the role. Is Udinski the next big thing, or is he too green for such a critical job?
Lou Anarumo: While most candidates are offensive minds, Anarumo stands out as a defensive guru. At 59, he’s spent the past season as the Indianapolis Colts’ defensive coordinator, following a successful stint with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2019-2024. Anarumo has a reputation for getting the most out of his players, even with less-than-stellar rosters. Could a defensive-minded coach be the key to balancing the Bills’ offense-heavy approach?
Anthony Weaver: The Dolphins’ defensive coordinator is another name in the mix. Weaver spent two seasons in Miami and three with the Ravens, where he served as defensive line coach and run game coordinator. His defensive expertise could bring a new dimension to the Bills, but is he ready to make the leap to head coach?
The Bigger Picture
As the Bills navigate this transition, questions linger about the team’s direction. Did GM Brandon Beane play a role in McDermott’s firing, or was it solely owner Terry Pegula’s call? Pegula’s recent comments about hitting a ‘playoff wall’ suggest a desire for change, but what does that mean for the roster? A massive overhaul could be on the horizon, with several key players potentially on the chopping block. And this is the part most people miss... The new head coach won’t just be inheriting a team—they’ll be stepping into a high-stakes rebuild that could define the franchise’s future.
Final Thoughts
The Bills’ search for a new head coach is more than just a hiring process—it’s a referendum on the team’s identity and aspirations. Do they play it safe with a known quantity, or take a leap of faith on an unproven talent? What’s your take? Who do you think should lead the Bills into their next chapter? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to heat up faster than a Buffalo winter.
