Philip Rivers will not be the next Buffalo Bills head coach.
Rivers has withdrawn from the Bills' coaching search, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported Monday, per sources informed of the decision.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic first reported the news.
After unretiring to join the Indianapolis Colts after five seasons out of the game, Rivers initially dismissed the idea of immediately becoming a head coach, but suggested after the season that he believes he could coach at the NFL level.
Just not yet.
Following the firing of Sean McDermott, Rivers became one of several head coaching candidates in Buffalo. Given his NFL playing experience and ability to run an offense, the former eight-time Pro Bowler was an intriguing pairing for quarterback Josh Allen. However, questions remained about the ability to leap from high school coach and 44-year-old player directly into an NFL big chair.
Garafolo noted that now just isn't the right time for Rivers and his family.
There is little doubt that the QB's name will not go away in future coaching cycles. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport previously reported that despite little outward interest on Rivers' part, teams continued to do their due diligence. Given his dalliance with Buffalo, expect the overtures to be even more significant after next season.
For now, Rivers will return to coach St. Michael Catholic High School in Alabama, where his son, Gunner, enters his senior season.
In other Bills coaching news, Garafolo reported that Buffalo is expected to submit a request to interview Broncos QB coach and pass game coordinator Davis Webb, who has become a hot candidate of late.
