Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll is focused on Saturday’s Divisional Round game against the Baltimore Ravens, but he could soon be preparing himself for another team. With three NFL coaching vacancies already filled, the Los Angeles Chargers could be poised to land one of the top candidates.
The architect behind an offense that carried the Bills to the No. 2 seed in the AFC and dominated opponents on a weekly basis, found hot demand from teams seeking their next head coach. Now, with his time in Buffalo likely coming to an end so he can take the next step in his career, a landing spot for Daboll is emerging.
Los Angeles Chargers likely to hire Brian Daboll
After firing head coach Anthony Lynn, the Los Angeles Chargers were always expected to hire an offensive-minded coach to replace him. With the incredible talent quarterback Justin Herbert showed in his rookie season, the organization desired a guru who could tailor the offense around Herbert and get the most out of him.
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Immediately, top coaching candidates with a background in developing quarterbacks and calling plays for high-powered offenses emerged. Los Angeles interviewed Jason Garrett, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady and Daboll.
The Chargers also met with San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who was just hired as head coach by the New York Jets. In addition, Los Angeles discussed the position with Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. However, it was always anticipated that an offensive coordinator would land the gig. Now, we seem to be headed in that direction.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Daboll is the favorite to become head coach in Los Angeles and the club is planning its next steps in the active search for a head coach.
Daboll has spent the past three seasons as Buffalo’s offensive coordinator. Before that, he worked under Nick Saban in 2017 as the team’s OC and quarterbacks coach and was instrumental in the team’s national championship. The 45-year-old has also served on Bill Belichick’s coaching staff.
Under NFL rules, effective beginning in the divisional round, teams can’t interview a candidate from another team until they are eliminated. So, if Buffalo loses the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, Daboll could immediately fly to Los Angeles and meet with the Chargers. If all goes well, the team could make him an offer and his work as head coach would begin.
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If the Bills win, advancing to the AFC Championship Game, Los Angeles would have to wait a little longer. That might meet an extended window for Brady to receive a second interview or for Staley, if the Rams lose to the Green Bay Packers, to have the same opportunity.
With that said, it might be in the Chargers’ best interest to wait. Daboll did wonders for Josh Allen, who went from a quarterback with alarming accuracy issues to an MVP-caliber player this season. He is also credited with designing an offense that has made Buffalo’s attack practically unstoppable.
Given his familiarity with general manager Tom Telesco, former high school football teammates, exercise patience might be the wisest move for Los Angeles. Besides, if Daboll’s offense puts on an incredible showing Saturday, it will further demonstrate why the Chargers are so excited about him.
If the Los Angeles Chargers ultimately hire Brian Daboll, it will be a monumental first step towards Justin Herbert reaching his All-Pro potential and for this team to become a playoff contender in 2021.