There have been a few connections to the Buffalo Bills and their vacant offensive line coach position.
One name mentioned a few times is Phil Rauscher.
Rauscher, 36, was most recently the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive line coach in 2021.
There is a chance that Rauscher is on the search for a new position elsewhere in the NFL because the Vikings fired head coach Mike Zimmer earlier this offseason. Rauscher could still be under contract in Minnesota despite Zimmer being ousted, but a new coach could likely bring in his own staff.
Vikings Wire reports that Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell is slated to be that new head coach, so it remains to be seen if Rauscher is retained or not. Potentially because of these grey areas, we have some mixed reports on Rauscher to the Bills.
According to ESPN, Rauscher has agreed to terms to become Buffalo’s O-line coach. NFL Network then confirmed Rauscher interviewed with the Bills, but had not been hired, adding a few other candidates to the mix.
Those two others are Ryan Wendell, Buffalo’s assistant offensive line coach, and George Warhop, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offensive line coach. Like the Vikings, the Jaguars have made a change at head coach, recently hiring Doug Pederson per Jaguars Wire.
Finally, WGR-550 radio in Buffalo confirmed that Rauscher is a candidate, but also said he is not yet hired. So Rauscher at least in the mix according to three reports:
FYI Im told there is no decision made on a new Bills OL coach yet. Yes, Phil Rauscher is one of the candidates. They’ve spoken. But as Tom points out below, there are others still in the mix, as well. #BillsMafia https://t.co/q0ULMLu0Ms
— Sal Capaccio 🏈 (@SalSports) February 3, 2022
Keep an eye on Rauscher for Buffalo’s offensive line coaching spot. The Bills are looking for a replacement due to Bobby Johnson moving from Buffalo to the New York Giants, following Brian Daboll there.
[lawrence-related id=96578,96557,96262]