The Buffalo Bills made a major move on Monday morning, parting ways with head coach Sean McDermott following their playoff exit at the hands of the Denver Broncos. While that decision obviously sends ripples through Buffalo, it could also have a few notable implications for the Philadelphia Eagles - both in terms of coaching connections and the team’s ongoing search for an offensive coordinator.
Let’s break down why this matters in Philly.
1. Sean McDermott’s Eagles roots run deep
Before he was leading the Bills to multiple playoff appearances, Sean McDermott cut his teeth in Philadelphia. A native of the Philly suburbs, McDermott spent nearly a decade with the Eagles organization, working his way up the coaching ladder from 2001 to 2010. He was handed the unenviable task of replacing legendary defensive coordinator Jim Johnson - a role that ultimately didn’t pan out, leading to his dismissal.
Still, for longtime Eagles fans, McDermott’s name carries weight. His journey from the NovaCare Complex to the Bills’ sideline was one of perseverance and growth. Now, with his tenure in Buffalo over, it’ll be interesting to see where he lands next - and whether that path ever circles back toward the NFC East.
2. Brian Daboll could be a factor - for both Buffalo and Philly
One of the first names to surface in the Bills’ coaching search? Brian Daboll.
There’s already chatter that Buffalo could look to bring back Daboll, who previously served as the team’s offensive coordinator and was instrumental in developing Josh Allen into one of the league’s elite quarterbacks. Whether as a head coach or as a potential OC if someone else gets the top job, Daboll’s return to Buffalo is firmly on the table.
That’s notable for the Eagles, who are reportedly eyeing Daboll for their own offensive coordinator vacancy. There’s mutual interest, but if Buffalo comes calling with a bigger role or a more familiar setting, that could shift the landscape. Daboll might not be the Eagles’ top target, but he’s certainly one of the more logical fits - and now, his availability is far from guaranteed.
3. Other OC candidates could be swept up in the Bills’ search
The Bills’ head coaching vacancy doesn’t just impact Daboll. With multiple teams still hunting for their next head coach - and Buffalo being one of the more attractive openings - there’s a chance that other candidates the Eagles have on their radar could get scooped up.
Let’s say the Bills pivot to someone like Mike McDaniel or another hot name in coaching circles. That hire could come with a preferred offensive staff, potentially pulling from the same pool of candidates the Eagles are evaluating. In a year with so many coaching dominoes still waiting to fall, timing is everything - and Philly will need to move quickly if they want to secure their guy.
4. Joe Brady is a name to watch
If Buffalo doesn’t stick with Joe Brady, the Eagles should absolutely be making a call.
Brady stepped in as the Bills’ offensive coordinator midway through the 2023 season after Ken Dorsey was let go, and he’s done nothing but elevate the offense since. In his first full season calling plays, Buffalo finished 10th in total yards and second in scoring.
This past season? They climbed even higher, finishing fourth in both categories.
Now, how much of that success is tied to Josh Allen doing Josh Allen things? It’s a fair question. But Brady’s play designs, situational awareness, and ability to keep the Bills’ offense humming in high-pressure moments have made him one of the more intriguing young minds in the league.
The Eagles have done their homework on Brady before - they interviewed him for their head coaching job back in 2021. He didn’t land the gig, but that same coaching cycle also included Kellen Moore, who eventually became Philly’s offensive coordinator in 2024. There’s a pattern here: the Eagles don’t forget names they like.
If the Bills bring in a new head coach who wants to install their own offensive staff, Brady could be available. And if he is, the Eagles would be wise to get him in the building for another conversation.
Bottom line: The Bills’ decision to move on from Sean McDermott could end up having a ripple effect that reaches all the way to South Philly. Whether it’s through shared coaching candidates like Brian Daboll and Joe Brady, or simply the domino effect of a high-profile job opening elsewhere, the Eagles are very much in the mix as the NFL’s coaching carousel kicks into full gear.