The Buffalo Bills are heading into the offseason with a bold, if somewhat puzzling, shake-up at the top. After yet another early playoff exit-this time falling in the Divisional Round to the Denver Broncos-the franchise has parted ways with head coach Sean McDermott. It’s a significant move, especially considering McDermott helped steer the team to consistent playoff appearances and helped re-establish the Bills as a perennial contender in the AFC.
But while McDermott is out, general manager Brandon Beane is not only staying-he’s getting a promotion. Beane has been elevated to president of football operations while retaining his role as GM, giving him even more control over the direction of the franchise. That’s a rare vote of confidence in an executive who’s now tasked with hiring a second head coach during his tenure, something few GMs get the chance to do.
The decision has sparked plenty of debate, especially among former players. LeSean McCoy, who spent four seasons in Buffalo and was part of the team’s early resurgence under McDermott and Beane, didn’t hold back on social media. In a pointed post, McCoy criticized the Bills for keeping Beane despite what he sees as a lack of talent around quarterback Josh Allen on both sides of the ball.
And McCoy’s not alone in that sentiment. There’s been a growing chorus of voices questioning whether Beane has done enough to surround Allen with the weapons-and protection-he needs. The wide receiver corps has been inconsistent, the offensive line has had its ups and downs, and the defense, while solid on paper, hasn’t been able to deliver when it matters most in January.
It’s hard to argue with Allen’s individual production. He’s been one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks, capable of taking over games with both his arm and legs.
But despite his heroics, the Bills have continued to fall short in the postseason. They haven’t made it back to the Super Bowl since the 1993 season, and while seven straight playoff appearances is nothing to scoff at, the lack of a breakthrough has become a growing source of frustration in Buffalo.
McCoy, a three-time Pro Bowler during his time with the Bills, knows what it takes to win. He later added two Super Bowl rings to his résumé-one with the Chiefs and one with the Buccaneers-so when he talks about roster construction and playoff readiness, people tend to listen.
Meanwhile, current players have also voiced their discontent. Defensive lineman Jordan Phillips made it clear he wasn’t happy with the decision to move on from McDermott. That kind of reaction speaks to the respect McDermott commanded in the locker room, and it raises questions about how players will respond to this new chapter under Beane’s expanded leadership.
What’s next for Buffalo is anyone’s guess. Beane now holds the keys to the franchise’s future, and his next hire at head coach will be critical.
The Bills are still in their championship window with Allen under center, but windows don’t stay open forever. The pressure is on to get this next move right.
For now, the Bills are doubling down on Beane. Whether that’s the right call is something only time-and postseason results-will reveal.