The winds of change are blowing through Buffalo.
After nine seasons at the helm, Sean McDermott is out as head coach of the Bills. The move comes in the wake of a crushing 33-30 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos-an emotional, controversial finish that ultimately sealed his fate. While the loss itself was gut-wrenching, especially with a questionable late-game call that left McDermott visibly frustrated, the decision to part ways seems rooted in something deeper: unmet expectations.
Buffalo has spent the better part of the last half-decade knocking on the door of greatness. But despite a talented roster, a franchise quarterback in Josh Allen, and multiple playoff appearances, the Super Bowl stage has remained elusive. Saturday’s loss marked another missed opportunity to reach the AFC Championship, and for a franchise with championship aspirations, that was one stumble too many.
McDermott exits with a strong résumé-98 wins in the regular season, a .662 winning percentage, and a playoff record of 8-8. He guided the Bills to two AFC title games, both of which ended in heartbreak at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs. His tenure helped elevate Buffalo from mediocrity to perennial contender, but in the end, consistent playoff exits became the defining narrative.
Now, the focus shifts to what’s next.
General manager Brandon Beane is staying on and will lead the search for McDermott’s replacement. And one name is already starting to rise above the rest: Brian Daboll.
According to reports, Daboll has emerged as a leading candidate for the job, and it’s not hard to see why. He’s a Buffalo native, has a strong connection to the organization, and perhaps most importantly, he has a well-documented rapport with Josh Allen.
Daboll served as the Bills’ offensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021-years that saw Allen blossom into one of the league’s elite quarterbacks. That familiarity could be a major asset as the team looks to reset and recharge.
Daboll’s stock is still high despite a rough stretch in New York. After being hired by the Giants in 2022, he quickly made an impact, earning NFL Coach of the Year honors in his debut season.
But things unraveled in Year 2, and he was let go following a 2-8 start. Still, he remains a hot name in coaching circles and is reportedly in the mix for other vacancies, including the Eagles’ head coaching job.
If the Bills are serious about maximizing Allen’s prime, Daboll makes a lot of sense. He knows the system, he knows the quarterback, and he’s proven he can lead a team. Whether Buffalo ultimately brings him back or goes in another direction, one thing is clear: this is a pivotal moment for a franchise that’s been on the cusp for years.
The McDermott era brought stability and success-but the next chapter will be about taking that final step. The Bills are no longer content with just being in the conversation. They want to win it all.