Another Playoff Exit for the Bills: Is Change Finally Coming in Buffalo?
The Buffalo Bills’ season came to a familiar, frustrating end on Saturday afternoon with a divisional-round loss to the Denver Broncos - and for fans in Western New York, it’s starting to feel like Groundhog Day.
This team, led by head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane since 2017, has been a fixture in the postseason picture for several years now. They’ve built a perennial contender, one that’s consistently in the Super Bowl conversation. But once again, the Bills fell short of even reaching the big stage, let alone winning it.
What makes this year’s exit sting a little more is the context. With heavyweights like the Chiefs, Ravens, and Bengals all missing the playoffs entirely, the path looked clearer than ever for Buffalo.
This was supposed to be the year the Bills finally broke through. Instead, they’re heading into another offseason full of hard questions.
The McDermott-Beane Era: Success Without the Breakthrough
There’s no denying the success McDermott and Beane have brought to Buffalo. Since arriving in 2017, they’ve turned a long-suffering franchise into a consistent winner. They've drafted well, developed a franchise quarterback in Josh Allen, and built a roster that’s been good enough to contend year in and year out.
But good enough hasn’t been good enough.
Despite multiple playoff appearances and division titles, the Bills have yet to make a Super Bowl under this regime. And after another early exit - this time against a Broncos team that few expected to be playing this deep into January - the pressure is mounting.
Job Security in Question?
In the lead-up to the postseason, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that McDermott’s job could be in jeopardy if the Bills made another quick playoff exit. While the tone of that report suggested McDermott was still relatively safe, it made one thing clear: his seat is warmer than it’s ever been.
“He is an accomplished coach, he is somebody who is respected, they’ve had a great record,” Schefter noted. “But the fact of the matter is people have brought up his name… He’s safe for now, but if Buffalo loses in the playoffs, that would be a situation to watch.”
Well, the loss has happened. And now, all eyes are on how the organization responds.
While Schefter didn’t mention Beane specifically, it’s hard to imagine a scenario where McDermott is let go and Beane stays. The two have operated as a tandem since Day 1, shaping the roster and culture together. If ownership decides it’s time for a new direction, that decision may not stop with the head coach.
What Comes Next?
The Bills are at a crossroads. They’ve got an elite quarterback in his prime, a fan base hungry for more, and a roster that - while talented - hasn’t been able to finish the job. That’s a tough combination to sit on for another year without making changes.
McDermott and Beane have earned respect around the league, and for good reason. But at some point, results have to match expectations. And right now, the Bills are falling short of both.
Whether ownership decides to make a move this offseason remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the clock is ticking in Buffalo. And after yet another playoff letdown, the patience that’s carried this regime for nearly a decade may finally be running out.