It’s the most desirable NFL head coaching job available but the Buffalo Bills have been dealt a blow in their search for Sean McDermott’s successor.
Mike McDaniel, one of the contenders to take over the team, dramatically canceled his scheduled interview with the Bills that was meant to take place on Friday in Florida.
McDaniel was fired as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins after four seasons in the job having failed to make the playoffs, but is still highly-rated for his offensive work in the NFL.
The 42-year-old has an agreement to become the offensive coordinator with the Los Angeles Chargers as long as he doesn’t get offered a head-coaching vacancy.
But the chance to coach the Bills and their MVP quarterback Josh Allen was thought to appeal to McDaniel. His decision to cancel the meeting was first reported by The Athletic but no reason why has been offered.
McDaniel also canceled a second interview with the Cleveland Browns earlier this week but has already interviewed with the Las Vegas Raiders over their head-coaching vacancy.
Mike McDaniel bizarrely canceled his interview with the Buffalo Bills over the head coach role
Bills quarterback Josh Allen fought back tears after the team lost to Denver Broncos
The current Bills offensive coordinator, Joe Brady, has been interviewed over stepping up and replacing McDermott. Brian Daboll, who was fired as New York Giants head coach in November, has also met with the Bills’ front office.
Anthony Weaver, defensive coordinator under McDaniel in Miami, has also met with the Bills, as has Philip Rivers – who ended his retirement to play for the Indianapolis Colts this season.
The Bills fired McDermott last Monday after losing in the playoffs to Denver Broncos, blowing what many considered to be their best chance of a run to the Super Bowl in recent years.
The Bills entered the postseason with AFC rivals Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals all failing to make the playoffs.
Allen was in tears when he spoke to reporters after the game, while it later emerged that the Broncos quarterback Bo Nix had broken his ankle in the penultimate play of the game – meaning the Denver victory came at a huge cost.
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