The Buffalo Bills’ decision to move on from head coach Sean McDermott has sent shockwaves through the NFL - and Jon Gruden isn’t holding back his thoughts.
The former Raiders and Buccaneers head coach didn’t mince words when reacting to the firing, calling the move “sickening” during an appearance on Wake Up Barstool. Gruden, who spent over a decade patrolling NFL sidelines, made it clear he believes the Bills made a major mistake by parting ways with a coach who’s been a stabilizing force in Buffalo for nearly a decade.
“Honestly, that makes me sick,” Gruden said. “I mean, I have no idea what the hell’s going on in this league.
Good luck to Buffalo. And now, I’m really glad they lost the game, personally.
I don’t think you can do much better than Sean McDermott.”
That loss came in the divisional round against the Denver Broncos - a game that ultimately marked the end of McDermott’s nine-season run in Buffalo. During that time, McDermott led the team to eight winning seasons and five AFC East titles, transforming the Bills from perennial underachievers into consistent contenders. And he did it while navigating one of the most competitive stretches in recent AFC history.
But for Gruden, it wasn’t just about the wins and banners. He pointed to the adversity Buffalo faced this season, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
“I mean, hell, their whole defense was beat up the whole year,” Gruden said. “Their whole D-line, their linebacking core, their secondary. For them to fire Sean McDermott after a season like this - I can’t say I’m surprised based on what I’ve seen owners do in the NFL the last several years, but this one really hits me hard.”
And he’s not alone in that sentiment.
Former Bills running back LeSean McCoy also weighed in, taking to social media to question the decision - and, more pointedly, why general manager Brandon Beane remains in charge despite ongoing roster concerns.
“After all these non-talented rosters and absolutely NO HELP for Josh on offense or defense lol only in THE NFL,” McCoy posted on X.
The Bills didn’t just make a coaching change - they reshuffled the organizational structure. Beane was promoted to president of football operations and will now lead the search for McDermott’s replacement. That move raised eyebrows, especially among those who believe the roster construction - not coaching - may have played a bigger role in Buffalo falling short this postseason.
As for McDermott, Gruden doesn’t expect him to be unemployed for long.
“Teams will come calling,” Gruden said. And he’s probably right. Coaches with McDermott’s resume - five division titles, consistent playoff appearances, and a reputation for building a winning culture - don’t stay on the market very long.
The Bills now face a pivotal offseason. With their franchise quarterback still in his prime and the window for a Super Bowl still open - though not as wide as it once was - the pressure is squarely on Beane to find the right voice to lead this team forward.
But one thing’s for sure: not everyone around the league agrees with the decision to change course. And for guys like Gruden, who’ve been in the trenches, the move feels less like a reset - and more like a gut punch.