Reports that the Buffalo Bills are giving former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers an opportunity to interview for their open head coaching position have sparked strong criticism from Rob Parker. During a recent discussion with Kelvin Washington, Parker sharply questioned the NFL’s hiring practices, arguing that Rivers is being allowed to “jump the line” despite a lack of traditional coaching experience.
Rivers, who recently served as a part-time fill-in player with the Indianapolis Colts and has coached at the high school level, has never held an NFL or college coaching position. Parker took issue with the idea that Rivers could receive a head coaching interview while numerous experienced Black assistant coaches remain without similar opportunities.
On social media, Parker wrote that it appears no Black coaches will be hired despite there being 10 NFL head coaching openings this cycle, calling the situation “a disgrace.” He further criticized what he described as silence from analysts and league insiders who, in his view, avoid addressing systemic issues in the NFL’s coaching search process.