After nine seasons at the helm in Buffalo, Sean McDermott’s time with the Bills came to a sudden and dramatic end following their playoff loss to the Denver Broncos. The move stunned many around the league, especially given McDermott’s track record of stabilizing the franchise and consistently keeping them in the postseason conversation. But now, less than a week removed from his dismissal, it appears McDermott is leaning toward stepping away from coaching-at least for the upcoming season.
Initially, there were whispers that McDermott was ready to jump back into the fray immediately. With several head coaching vacancies open across the league, he would’ve been a top-tier candidate-no question.
But according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, McDermott hasn’t engaged with any of the current openings and is instead seriously considering a sabbatical. That’s not uncommon for coaches who’ve poured nearly a decade into one franchise.
Taking a year to reset, reflect, and recharge has proven beneficial for others in similar positions.
As of Tuesday, head coaching jobs remain open in Las Vegas, Arizona, and Cleveland. Of those, the Raiders might have been the most intriguing fit.
Not only do they hold the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft-a golden ticket for any coach looking to build a program from the ground up-but they’re also in the early stages of a full-scale rebuild. That kind of blank canvas can be appealing.
Still, McDermott hasn’t taken any interviews, and all signs point to him sitting out the 2026 season.
Back in Buffalo, the search for McDermott’s replacement is proving to be anything but straightforward. The Bills have had their share of swings and misses already.
Mike McDaniel, who was in line for a second interview, ultimately pulled out and took the offensive coordinator job with the Los Angeles Chargers. Former quarterback Philip Rivers impressed during his interview but told the team he’s not ready to step into a head coaching role just yet.
Joe Brady, the team’s current offensive coordinator, has been in the mix and interviewed for the top job in Buffalo. He’s also been in conversations with the Raiders, signaling that he’s a hot name this cycle. Meanwhile, the Bills have cast a wide net, speaking with former Giants head coach Brian Daboll, Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver, and Commanders run game coordinator Anthony Lynn.
And it’s not just the front office making decisions-Josh Allen is reportedly involved in the process. The franchise quarterback was visibly emotional after the playoff loss, and his input could carry weight as the Bills look to find a coach who can guide him through the next phase of his career.
Buffalo has been close in recent years, but close doesn’t win Lombardis. Whoever takes over inherits not just Allen, but also the pressure of delivering the franchise its first Super Bowl.
Oh, and there’s one more wrinkle: the Bills are set to open their brand-new $2.2 billion stadium in the 2026 season. That’s a major milestone for the franchise, and it adds another layer of urgency to this coaching search. The new hire won’t just be leading a team-they’ll be ushering in a new era of Bills football, on and off the field.
For now, McDermott appears content to watch it all unfold from the sidelines. And after nearly a decade of high-stakes Sundays, who could blame him?