After losing in a heartbreaker in overtime to the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Sean McDermott is now out as head of the Buffalo Bills.
According to reports, the team fired McDermott on Monday morning after nine seasons on the job.
During his time in Buffalo, McDermott oversaw the development of superstar QB Josh Allen and helped lead his team to eight playoff appearances.
Over McDermott’s nine seasons in charge of the Bills, he posted a regular-season record of 98-50 for a winning percentage of .662, which ranks 15th all-time.
However, the Bills continually fell short in the playoffs under McDermott, failing to reach a Super Bowl despite winning the AFC East five years in a row from 2020-24.
During his tenure, the Bills lost twice in the AFC Championship, four times in the divisional round and twice in the wild-card round.
Controversy in Denver
This year, the Bills scored a wild-card victory on the road in Jacksonville last week before losing to the Broncos in controversial fashion.
During overtime, a long pass by Allen was ruled an interception when the defender appeared to rip the ball out of the hands of Bills wide receiver Brandin Cooks.
Had the play been ruled a catch, the Bills would’ve been in field-goal range for a potential win. Instead, the Broncos marched down the field — while aided by a couple of pass interference calls — and kicked the winning score to advance.
Prior to becoming head coach of the Bills, McDermott served as defensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers from 2011-16 and held the same role with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009 and 2010.
What jobs and coaches are available?
Reports indicate that general manager Brandon Beane will be retained and lead the search for a new head coach.
McDermott becomes the ninth NFL head coach to be fired or leave their position this season, including notable names like Baltimore Ravens’ John Harbaugh, Pittsburgh Steelers’ Mike Tomlin, Cleveland Browns’ Kevin Stefanski and Miami Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel.
Harbaugh has signed on to become the head coach of the New York Giants while Stefanski reportedly will be taking over the Atlanta Falcons.
Of the potential candidates to take over for McDermott, one could come from in-house. Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady recently interviewed for the vacancy in Baltimore and is seen as a strong option.
Other names being mentioned include Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula and Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.
With a strong roster, a perennial MVP candidate in Josh Allen and new stadium opening next season, Buffalo should be seen as an incredibly desirable landing spot for any coaching candidate.