ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills moved one step closer to finding their next leader on Saturday, officially completing an interview with Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver for the vacant head coaching position. The move comes just five days after owner Terry Pegula cleaned house, firing Sean McDermott following a gut-wrenching 33-30 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round.
A Familiar Face Returns to One Bills Drive
Weaver isn’t a stranger to the 716. He served as Buffalo’s defensive line coach back in 2013, and his return to the facility signals a serious interest in his defensive pedigree. While the Bills are desperate to maximize the prime of Josh Allen, Weaver’s track record of building “violent” and disciplined units has caught the eye of General Manager Brandon Beane. Last season, Weaver’s Dolphins defense finished in the top tier for total yards allowed, even as the team dealt with significant midseason roster turnover.
The search committee hasn’t been idle. Weaver joins a heavy-hitting list of candidates who have already sat down with the Pegulas, including Colts legend Philip Rivers, current Bills OC Joe Brady, and former Giants coach Brian Daboll. Weaver’s interview is reportedly a second meeting, a strong indicator that he is a finalist for the job.
“I’m a nice guy. I smile. I do all those things, but all of our problems that we need to solve can be solved through violence.” — Anthony Weaver, Dolphins Defensive Coordinator
The Road to the Super Bowl
Buffalo finds itself at a crossroads. The roster is loaded, but the postseason ceiling has become a brick wall. Firing McDermott was a massive gamble by Pegula, especially with Allen turning 30 this May. The Bills need a coach who can handle the pressure of “Super Bowl or bust” expectations immediately.
Weaver’s philosophy focuses on a physical, suffocating defense that could provide the balance Allen needs. If hired, Weaver would likely need to bring a high-level offensive strategist to ensure the passing game doesn’t skip a beat. The Bills have another interview scheduled for Sunday with Jaguars assistant Grant Udinski, but after today’s session, the momentum seems to be shifting toward the defensive side of the ball.
