The Buffalo Bills' head-coach search has narrowed.
Longtime quarterback Philip Rivers withdrew his name from consideration, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported on Monday.
The 44-year-old Rivers interviewed for the job on Friday despite no previous NFL coaching experience.
He has worked since his initial retirement from the league as a high school coach in his native Alabama. Last month, he ended his five-year retirement and finished the season with the Indianapolis Colts. Rivers started three games — all losses — in a failed attempt to salvage the Colts' playoff chances.
Rivers was the fourth candidate to interview since the Bills launched their search on Wednesday. Sean McDermott was fired after going 98-50 and reaching the playoffs eight times in nine seasons, making the Bills the 10th team to replace a head coach this cycle.
The Bills have also interviewed former Giants coach Brian Daboll, who previously served as the team’s offensive co-ordinator; current offensive co-ordinator Joe Brady; and Colts defensive co-ordinator Lou Anarumo. General manager Brandon Beane is leading the search and quarterback Josh Allen has been participating in meetings with candidates.
Owner Terry Pegula decided to fire McDermott after a 33-30 overtime loss at Denver in the divisional round of the playoffs. McDermott led the Bills to seven straight 10-win seasons but never took the team to the Super Bowl.
Pegula determined Buffalo had hit what he called “the proverbial playoff wall” under McDermott. The Bills became the NFL’s first team to win a playoff game in six straight years without a Super Bowl appearance.
--with files from The Associated Press
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