The 1971 Buffalo Bills season was the 12th season for the club and its 2nd in the National Football League. For the second time in four seasons, the Bills finished with a 1-13 record. The season began in turmoil when coach John Rauch resigned, forcing pro personnel director Harvey Johnson to assume the position for the second time on an interim basis. Lou Saban, who resigned as coach of the Denver Broncos after eight games in 1971, returned to Buffalo for 1972. Saban guided the Bills to the American Football League championship in 1964 and 1965.