Just a few days after the Buffalo Bills announced the firing of former head coach Sean McDermott, and shortly after hearing some of the initial replacement candidates, this franchise threw the fan base for the ultimate loop.
First reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Bills were set to interview former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers in their search for a new head coach.
Yes, that Philip Rivers; the one who un-retired and came back to play for the Colts this year. And, another ESPN employee chimed in live on the air after the news broke.
Former NFL safety and Super Bowl champion, Ryan Clark, went against what some immediate reactions may have been. He actually loves the idea of Rivers in Buffalo as the head coach:
"Forgive me for saying this... I would like Philip Rivers as the head coach of the Buffalo Bills. I'd actually love it."
Ryan Clark lays out why the Bills should actually hire Philip Rivers as head coach
Before you go and start reacting the way most would typically react to a Ryan Clark opinion, I have to say... he actually makes some valid points here.
"We've seen a guy like John Harbaugh never be a coordinator and make an excellent head coach. Because you know how to delegate, and you understand how to lead, you understand how to communicate."
Again, that's a valid point. It is all about leading and communicating. Rivers can do that. He'd have to put together a strong staff, of course, and one to truly take advantage of Josh Allen being in his prime. But, Rivers' lengthy stint in the NFL provides him with plenty of connections.
For those who might talk about how Rivers' return to the league was a mistake, this year, Clark doesn't care about any of that.
"You heard heard Philip Rivers after that game. I didn't care how he played against Seattle... all I cared about is the way I felt motivated, the way I felt led, the way I wanted to see him again at that podium."
Again, valid points ... they're very valid points.
Take a look at some of the better coaches around the league and how their players talk about them, how they're viewed around the NFL. Any of the top coaches are well-spoken at the podium and they're spoken highly of by others.
It takes a strong communicator and leader to gain the traction of your locker room, and Rivers absolutely has the ability to do that.
Now, is he just a great leader and motivator, but maybe not cut out to be a head coach? Time will only tell.