Bills Eye Brian Daboll, Joe Brady, Lou Anarumo for Coaching Positions
Following the surprising dismissal of head coach Sean McDermott, the Buffalo Bills are rapidly narrowing down their choices for his replacement. Buffalo’s front office is set to conduct interviews with several prominent candidates, including offensive coordinator Joe Brady and former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll.
Bills’ Candidate List for Head Coaching Position
The Bills are considering a competitive lineup of coaching professionals, which features:
- Joe Brady – Offensive Coordinator, Buffalo Bills
- Brian Daboll – Former Head Coach, New York Giants
- Lou Anarumo – Defensive Coordinator, Indianapolis Colts
- Grant Udinski – Offensive Coordinator, Jacksonville Jaguars
- Anthony Weaver – Defensive Coordinator, Miami Dolphins
- Anthony Lynn – Run Game Coordinator, Washington Commanders
Initial interviews are scheduled for Daboll and Anarumo. General Manager Brandon Beane confirmed that the interview list may expand, potentially including coaches from teams still competing in the playoffs.
Impact of Josh Allen in the Hiring Process
Beane has indicated that quarterback Josh Allen will play a crucial role in the search for McDermott’s successor. Allen, who recently earned the league’s MVP title, has been a key player in the Bills’ success.
Background on Key Candidates
Brian Daboll, a native of Western New York, served as the Bills’ offensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021. Under his tenure, the team saw significant offensive growth, coinciding with Allen’s ascent as a top quarterback. However, as head coach of the Giants, Daboll posted a disappointing record of 20-40-1.
Joe Brady has been leading the Bills’ offense since taking over late in the 2023 season. Under his guidance, the team has consistently ranked in the top ten for yardage and scoring over the past two seasons. In 2024, he aided Allen in securing the MVP title despite the offense’s inconsistency this season.
Lou Anarumo has an impressive coaching resume, including a six-year stint as the defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals before moving to the Colts. Grant Udinski’s contribution helped the Jaguars transform from a 4-13 season to a 13-4 division champion.
Anthony Weaver, also a candidate for coaching positions elsewhere, and Anthony Lynn, a seasoned coach with a record of 33-31 with the Los Angeles Chargers, round out the list of potential hires.
Recent Performance Under McDermott
During McDermott’s tenure, the Bills reached the divisional playoffs six consecutive times and made eight playoff appearances in nine seasons. Nevertheless, the team struggled to progress to a Super Bowl, culminating in his dismissal after a heartbreaking loss to the Denver Broncos, which deeply affected players, including Allen.
The future is uncertain for the Bills, but their search for a new head coach is underway, aiming for a fresh direction as they look to capitalize on their recent successes.
