The Buffalo Bills have officially interviewed four candidates for their open head coaching job and with no more scheduled interviews, is it fair to conclude that they are finished with new candidates? As the new week breaks, let’s examine the coaching search to this point.
The only interview Buffalo has requested that hasn’t happened yet is Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. We heard about that request a week ago, but he wasn’t able to be interviewed until after the Dolphins’ Wild Card game Sunday. We know he is being courted by four teams including the Bills, but we have no idea if it will ever happen. The Denver Broncos have Joseph as their favorite but he’s also on the Chargers and 49ers radar.
The Bills might still have Frank Reich (info) on their short list but it’s unclear when or even if they will interview the Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator. Nothing has been reported beyond an interest and Buffalo would need to request permission for the interview since he’s otherwise employed.
Recapping the interviewees
Buffalo’s first interview was Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott (info). The interview took place on Wednesday and since then, McDermott has lined up meetings with the San Diego Chargers and San Francisco 49ers. It’s also been reported that McDermott has “would love to have” recently-fired Chargers head coach Mike McCoy join his staff as offensive coordinator, which could rule out San Diego as a destination depending on the level of commitment.
Bills interim head coach Anthony Lynn (info) formally interviewed for the Bills full-time job on Thursday. Lynn has the support of many current Bills players and still is seemingly the leader in the clubhouse for the Bills job. Lynn even received a public mea culpa of sorts from the Bills ownership over the Tyrod Taylor benching. He interviewed with the Los Angeles Rams Sunday as he is interviewing with every other open NFL head coaching job.
On Saturday, Buffalo met with Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Harold Goodwin (info). Like the remainder of the candidates, Goodwin has other interviews scheduled with NFL teams including the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Rams.
The Bills met with Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Kris Richard (info) on Sunday in Seattle. The Seahawks won their Wild Card contest, so Richard can’t be hired until after his team’s season is over. Buffalo is the only team interviewing Richard.
Finally, we know two names that won’t be on the list. John Wawrow of the Associated Press said on Saturday it was “very unlikely” the Bills would interview former Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin. The same can be said for former Broncos coach Josh McDaniels, who can’t take a job until the New England Patriots season is over anyway.
Last time, Rex Ryan was hired on January 12th, so we’re getting to the point where a hiring could be made any day.