Sean McDermott’s run in Buffalo has officially come to an end. The Bills parted ways with their head coach on Tuesday, just days after a tough divisional round loss to the Denver Broncos. It closes the book on a nine-year tenure that, while it didn’t include a Super Bowl appearance, marked a dramatic turnaround for a franchise that had been spinning its wheels for nearly two decades.
Let’s be clear: McDermott didn’t just coach the Bills-he helped reshape their identity. When he arrived in 2017, Buffalo was a team mired in mediocrity, still chasing the ghosts of the '90s.
Under McDermott’s watch, they became a perennial playoff contender, built a top-tier defense, and developed a franchise quarterback in Josh Allen. That kind of organizational stability doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s built from the top down, and McDermott was a major part of that foundation.
Now, with McDermott officially on the market, the coaching carousel just got a lot more interesting. He’s expected to be one of the most sought-after names available-and for good reason. There’s already buzz around a few teams that could make a serious push to land him, and two franchises in particular-Arizona and Las Vegas-stand out as potential landing spots.
Let’s start with Arizona. The Cardinals have been stuck in a rut, posting four straight losing seasons and failing to win more than four games in three of the last four years.
That kind of stretch takes a toll on a franchise, and it’s no surprise they decided to move on from Jonathan Gannon after three disappointing seasons. What the Cardinals need now isn’t just a coach-they need a culture reset.
And that’s where McDermott comes in.
This situation isn’t all that different from what he walked into in Buffalo back in 2017. The Bills were a team in need of structure, accountability, and a long-term vision.
McDermott delivered that. He’s a tone-setter, a coach who builds from the locker room out.
If Arizona is serious about turning things around, they could do a lot worse than bringing in someone who’s already proven he can steady a shaky ship.
Of course, there’s the question of whether the Cardinals are ready to go back to a defensive-minded head coach after the Gannon era. But McDermott isn’t just another defensive guy-he’s one of the best in the business.
His defenses are consistently disciplined, physical, and well-prepared. And if paired with the right offensive coordinator, he could give Arizona the kind of balance they’ve been missing.
Then there’s Las Vegas. The Raiders have talent, especially on the offensive side of the ball, and they’re holding the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft.
That’s a rare combination for a team looking to make a leap. McDermott could be the stabilizing presence that helps unlock the full potential of that roster.
He brings postseason experience, a track record of player development, and a no-nonsense approach that could resonate in a city that’s still figuring out its football identity.
Whether it’s Arizona, Las Vegas, or another team entirely, one thing’s for sure-McDermott won’t be out of work for long if he wants to keep coaching. His resume speaks for itself, and in a league where leadership and consistency are at a premium, he checks every box.
As the 2026 coaching cycle heats up, keep an eye on where McDermott lands. He might not have reached the mountaintop in Buffalo, but he built a team that climbed a long way up. And for franchises looking to make that same kind of ascent, he could be exactly what they need.