With Sean McDermott out as head coach, the Buffalo Bills are stepping into a pivotal offseason-one that could define the next chapter of this franchise. The new hire won’t just inherit a team; they’ll take the reins of a roster built around one of the league’s elite quarterbacks, Josh Allen, and walk into a brand-new stadium next season.
Expectations? Sky-high.
The pressure? Very real.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most talked-about candidates who could be in line to lead the Bills into this new era.
Joe Brady: The In-House Option with Built-In Chemistry
If the Bills want to keep things close to home, Joe Brady is the obvious starting point. Promoted from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator after Ken Dorsey was let go in 2023, Brady helped stabilize the offense during a turbulent stretch. And while the unit didn’t always fire on all cylinders this past season, it was good enough to support Josh Allen’s MVP campaign.
That MVP nod speaks volumes about the Allen-Brady connection. Their rapport is strong, and in a league where quarterback-head coach synergy is everything, that relationship could carry real weight in the front office’s decision-making.
But let’s be honest: the offense had its inconsistencies. Whether that was on Brady, the roster construction, or a mix of both is up for debate-but it’s a mark on his résumé nonetheless.
Still, there’s something to be said for continuity. Promoting Brady would be the smoothest transition, and it keeps Allen comfortable. That alone might keep him in serious consideration.
Brian Daboll: The Familiar Face with Proven Results
Brian Daboll’s name carries a lot of weight in Buffalo. As offensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021, he helped mold Josh Allen from a raw, big-armed prospect into a legitimate franchise quarterback. That development arc isn’t forgotten inside the Bills’ building-or by Allen himself.
Daboll’s offenses were consistently among the league’s best during his final years in Buffalo, and his departure to the New York Giants left a noticeable void. If the Bills are looking to recapture the magic of those explosive offensive years, bringing Daboll back might be the move.
It wouldn’t be the flashiest hire, but it could be one of the smartest. Sometimes the best way forward is to lean into what already worked.
Klint Kubiak: The Rising Star with a Hot Hand
If the Bills want to go bold, Klint Kubiak might be their guy. The current Seahawks offensive coordinator has turned Seattle’s offense into one of the league’s most dynamic units-even with Sam Darnold under center. That alone should raise eyebrows.
Seattle finished the regular season with a top-10 passing attack, a top-15 ground game, and the third-most points per game in the league. That kind of production doesn’t happen by accident. Kubiak has built a system that maximizes his talent, especially wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who’s now in the conversation for Offensive Player of the Year.
The challenge? Timing.
With the Seahawks still in the playoff hunt, Kubiak’s availability for interviews is limited. If the Bills want him, they might have to wait-and that could be a risky game to play if they miss out.
Mike Tomlin: The Proven Winner with a Championship Pedigree
Mike Tomlin’s résumé speaks for itself. One Super Bowl title.
Two appearances. Thirteen playoff trips in 17 seasons.
He’s been the model of consistency in Pittsburgh, guiding the Steelers through multiple roster overhauls and still finding ways to win.
That kind of stability is rare in today’s NFL, and it’s something the Bills may value after parting ways with McDermott, who brought his own brand of steadiness to Buffalo. Tomlin has shown he can get the most out of less-than-elite rosters-something that could help preserve the foundation already built.
But there’s a flip side. Tomlin hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016.
If the goal is to push the franchise over the hump and into Super Bowl territory, is he the guy to do it? Or is this a move that keeps the Bills in the same tier they’ve been in-good, but not quite great?
Marcus Freeman: The Wild Card with Leadership Intangibles
Here’s a name that might surprise some: Marcus Freeman. The current Notre Dame head coach is generating buzz in NFL circles, and while he doesn’t have pro-level coaching experience, his leadership skills have people talking.
To make this work, the Bills would need to surround Freeman with veteran NFL coordinators. Names like Davis Webb-former Bills quarterback and now Broncos assistant-and ex-Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce could be part of that equation.
It would be a bold move, no doubt. Freeman’s hire would signal a shift in philosophy, betting on leadership and culture over NFL experience. If the Bills want to shake things up and take a big swing, this would be it.
Mike McDaniel: The Offensive Mind from Within the Division
Mike McDaniel has already shown he can build a high-powered offense-just look at what he did with the Dolphins in 2023. That unit was electric, and for a while, Miami looked like a legitimate AFC contender.
But things cooled off in 2025. There were whispers about McDaniel losing the locker room, and Tua Tagovailoa’s regression didn’t help.
Still, the idea of pairing McDaniel’s offensive creativity with Josh Allen’s physical tools is intriguing. That combo could be fireworks.
The catch? McDaniel is still in the division.
Selling that move to a locker room already reeling from McDermott’s dismissal could be tough. And if there are questions about his leadership, those only get louder in a new environment.
Kyle Shanahan: The Blockbuster Trade Scenario
Now here’s a curveball-what if the Bills traded for Kyle Shanahan?
Yes, he’s still under contract with the 49ers. Yes, it would take serious compensation. But Shanahan is one of the most respected offensive minds in the game, with nearly a decade of head coaching experience and a deep résumé as a play-caller dating back to 2008.
If the Bills are all-in on winning now and want a coach with both a proven system and a track record of postseason success, Shanahan would be a massive get. The question is whether the 49ers would even entertain the idea-and what Buffalo would have to give up to make it happen.
Final Thoughts
The Bills aren’t just hiring a head coach-they’re choosing the next architect of their Super Bowl window. With Josh Allen in his prime, a new stadium on the horizon, and a fanbase hungry for more, this decision carries serious weight.
Whether they opt for continuity with Joe Brady, rekindle the past with Brian Daboll, chase upside with Klint Kubiak, or swing for the fences with someone like Kyle Shanahan, the Bills have options. The challenge now is picking the right one.