Buffalo Bills Seek New Head Coach After Firing Sean McDermott

The Buffalo Bills are in search of a new head coach following the unexpected firing of Sean McDermott on January 15, 2026. McDermott, who spent nine seasons with the team and posted a regular-season record of 98-50, could not advance the Bills past the AFC Championship Game. His tenure concluded after a disappointing 33-30 loss to the Denver Broncos in the AFC divisional round.

Brandon Beane, the Bills’ general manager, will lead the search for McDermott’s replacement. Despite the timing being later in the coaching cycle, there is optimism that Beane will secure a quality candidate. The Bills’ head-coaching vacancy is now viewed as one of the most attractive positions in the league, primarily due to the presence of quarterback Josh Allen.

The Bills’ appeal stems from Allen’s impressive performance, including winning the league MVP award in 2024. In the 2025 season, he tied for ninth in the NFL with 25 touchdown passes and ranked seventh in QBR with a score of 65.3. Allen signed a lucrative six-year, $330 million contract extension ahead of the 2025 season. Turning 30 on May 21, he has shown remarkable durability, missing only four games throughout his eight-year career. This reliability keeps the Bills’ Super Bowl aspirations alive.

Buffalo’s recent performance further enhances its appeal. The team clinched five AFC East titles in the past six seasons, with a 12-5 record in 2025, despite the New England Patriots winning the division at 14-3. As the Bills look to maintain their competitive edge, they may consider a variety of coaching candidates.

Potential candidates include Mike Tomlin, the former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, he may not be interested in coaching next season. Another option is promoting current offensive coordinator Joe Brady. The name that continuously arises in discussions is Brian Daboll, who previously served as the Bills’ offensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021 and has a strong rapport with Allen. Despite his struggles as head coach of the New York Giants, where he finished with a record of 20-40-1, Daboll’s familiarity with the team and its star quarterback makes him a compelling candidate.

While the Bills have the opportunity to attract top coaching talent, it is crucial that they do not rush the hiring process. With a generational talent in Allen, they have the chance to find a coach who can guide the franchise to its first Super Bowl victory. The Bills franchise is at a pivotal moment, and the decision they make in the coming weeks will shape their future.