As the Cleveland Browns continue their head coaching search, a familiar name has sparked serious interest among the fanbase: former Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott.
In a recent fan poll, Browns supporters overwhelmingly backed the idea of interviewing McDermott, with a staggering 94% saying Cleveland should bring him in for a conversation. That’s not just a passing curiosity - it’s a clear signal from the fanbase that they see McDermott as a top-tier option in a market that’s still sorting itself out.
And honestly, it’s not hard to see why. McDermott’s tenure in Buffalo was marked by a culture shift and consistent playoff appearances, something Browns fans have long craved. His defensive pedigree, leadership style, and ability to build a sustainable program would check a lot of boxes for a franchise looking to take the next step.
But despite the fan enthusiasm, there’s been no indication - at least publicly - that Cleveland has reached out to McDermott. Instead, the coaching search has taken a few unexpected turns.
Some candidates have already bowed out. Mike McDaniel, for instance, was rumored to be heading to the Chargers as an offensive coordinator, only for reports to surface that he’s still in the mix for the Bills’ head coaching job.
Then there’s Jesse Minter, who opted to take the Ravens’ head coaching role rather than continue talks with the Browns.
That’s left Cleveland in a bit of a holding pattern, and McDermott’s name remains conspicuously absent from the shortlist - at least for now.
Meanwhile, in Buffalo, McDermott’s departure hasn’t exactly gone over well with the fanbase. He was a respected figure who helped steer the franchise out of the wilderness, and his firing raised more than a few eyebrows. Yet, despite his résumé, there hasn’t been much noise linking him to other head coaching vacancies around the league.
That raises a key question: Is McDermott ready to jump back into the fray immediately, or is he content to take a step back and wait for the right opportunity?
For the Browns, that timing could be everything. If they’re serious about finding a coach who can bring long-term stability and a winning identity, McDermott is the kind of candidate who deserves a serious look. And with fans already voicing their support, the ball may be in Cleveland’s court to make the first move - before someone else does.