Bills Eye Daboll, Brady, Anarumo for Coaching Candidates
After the surprising dismissal of Sean McDermott, the Buffalo Bills are actively seeking a new head coach. The team’s list of coaching candidates is becoming clearer.
Bills’ Coaching Candidates: An Overview
- 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
Both Brian Daboll and Lou Anarumo are slated for initial interviews. The hiring process is still evolving, as General Manager Brandon Beane noted in a recent press conference. He mentioned that new candidates could emerge, particularly from teams participating in upcoming conference championship games. These staff members are currently unavailable for interviews.
Key Developments Post-McDermott
Following McDermott’s firing, Bills owner Terry Pegula announced that Beane would be elevated to the role of president of football operations. Beane will lead the search for the new head coach. Notably, quarterback Josh Allen, the most valuable player (MVP) for the 2024 season, will have a voice in the selection process.
Brian Daboll, a native of Western New York, previously served as the Bills’ offensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021. His tenure coincided with Allen’s emergence as a star quarterback, and he also has aspirations for multiple offensive coordinator positions. Sources indicate that if not selected by the Bills, Daboll is likely to join the Tennessee Titans under new head coach Robert Saleh.
Performance Insights
Joe Brady, the Bills’ current offensive coordinator, took over for Ken Dorsey late in the 2023 season. Under Brady’s guidance, Buffalo ranked among the top 10 teams in both yards and scoring over the past two seasons. While he played a pivotal role in Allen’s MVP achievement, the team’s offensive performance faced challenges due to inconsistencies this year.
Lou Anarumo has shown significant capabilities as the Colts’ defensive coordinator after a six-year stint with the Cincinnati Bengals. Grant Udinski, though newer to coaching, successfully led the Jaguars to a remarkable turnaround from a 4-13 record to a 13-4 division champion. Meanwhile, Anthony Weaver is being considered for head coach roles with teams in Pittsburgh and Baltimore.
Anthony Lynn, an experienced coach, holds a record of 33-31 from his time with the Los Angeles Chargers. He also has prior connections to the Bills, having served under Rex Ryan.
Historical Context
The Bills have had a strong playoff presence under McDermott, making the postseason eight times in the last nine years and achieving six consecutive divisional round appearances. However, the team has yet to reach a Super Bowl during this time. McDermott was let go following a heartbreaking defeat against the Denver Broncos, which deeply affected Allen and other players.
The search for a new coach is set to reshape the Bills’ future as they aim to build on their recent successes in the NFL.
