‘One thing that will greet the Bills’ new head coach head-on is an immense amount of pressure. With quarterback Josh Allen in his age-30 season, the expectation will be to win a Super Bowl right away. Anything less than that will be a failure, and will lead to the question of why McDermott was replaced.’
Archives for January 21, 2026
Bills candidate checklist: 7 qualities to prioritize during the coaching search
‘Yes, the next coach will need to have or build a relationship with the Bills’ most important player, Allen, but the person must also be able to reach the rest of the roster. Defensive players were not the only ones who respected and admired McDermott. Everyone from long snapper Reid Ferguson to running back James Cook appreciated the stability and consistency McDermott brought to the Bills. He wasn’t an authoritarian unwilling to listen to his players’ wants and desires. McDermott encouraged his players to share their insight and opinions, and he understood when to be firm.’
Alan Pergament: Sean McDermott’s firing was shocking. Just ask NFL ‘insiders’ on national TV
‘The way ESPN, the NFL Network and local sports reporters learned of McDermott’s firing illustrated how stunning it was that the community-minded Bills coach, who had a 98-50 record in the regular season, an 8-8 playoff record and the respect of his players, was fired.’
Bills coaching search is open and these 7 names may rise to the top
‘Webb, who turns 31 in a few weeks, has interviewed with the Raiders and Ravens so he’s on the radar, but it seems like an enormous risk for Beane to turn to a coach who has never even been a coordinator and play-caller. With the Broncos he’s the QB coach who has helped turn Bo Nix into a fine player in two seasons, and he’s also the passing game coordinator, but Sean Payton calls the plays in Denver.’
Even Highmark home cooking couldn’t get Allen, Bills past Chiefs in 2024 postseason
‘This was the day when redemption was supposed to be served for the Bills because after two postseason trips to Kansas City, Buffalo had finally earned the right to get the Chiefs at Highmark Stadium in January.’
2026 offseason preview: Buffalo Bills facing a massive roster overhaul & these 3 players could be cut
‘Some tough decisions need to be made for the Bills and a real conversation needs to be had on Dawson Knox. Knox is still a fine player, but he has not played up to his contract. Buffalo could roll with Dalton Kincaid, Jackson Hawes and Keleki Latu as their top-three tight ends before having to make any other moves at the position in 2026. By releasing Knox, the team can free up a little over $10 million in cap space.’
Sabato: It took firing Sean McDermott for many to realize what they had as Bills coach
‘Ironically, it was McDermott’s personality that turned fans off. More than playoff failures or a few memorable regular-season collapses, his demeanor was guarded and stiff for most of his time in Buffalo.’
Contentious Bills meeting revealed before Sean McDermott firing: Didn’t ‘sit well in the building’
‘“McDermott himself had some questions about how much talent the Bills had,” reporter Ian Rapoport said. “I’m not sure that sat well in the building.”’
Bills WAG posts emotional message to Sean McDermott’s family after coach’s shock firing
‘Hillary Trubisky, the wife of Bills backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky, was especially emotional over Buffalo’s decision to part ways with head coach Sean McDermott on Monday, two days after the team’s 33-30 overtime loss to Denver in the divisional round.’
Sean McDermott’s assessment of Bills roster didn’t sit well with team brass before firing: reports
‘WGRZ reported that Bills general manager Brandon Beane and team owner Terry Pegula were not “pleased with McDermott’s assessment” after he “pointed out what the roster lacked to win a Super Bowl.” This reportedly came weeks before the team’s loss in Denver.’
Sean McDermott Reportedly Irked Bills GM, Owner With Criticism of Roster Before Firing
‘According to multiple reports, tension emerged between McDermott and the front office because McDermott expressed concerns with the talent level on the team’s roster.’
Did Josh Allen play a role in Bills’ firing of Sean McDermott?
‘“I don’t know this at all, but I believe a decision of this magnitude can not be made without you getting some thoughts from Josh Allen ahead of time,” Smith said. “So, it’s going to be really interesting to hear what he has to say about McDermott’s departure.”’
Why Bills head coach position should be enticing
‘”The biggest pro of the Bills’ vacancy isn’t surprising: it’s their offensive backfield duo of 2024 NFL MVP quarterback Josh Allen and 2025 NFL rushing champion running back James Cook (1,621 rushing yards),” Podell wrote.’
Insider reveals potential reason Sean McDermott was fired, and it will anger Bills fans
‘”I’m told that during a meeting held five weeks ago between McDermott, Beane and Pegula, the coach pointed out what the roster lacked to win a Super Bowl,” Carucci wrote. “I don’t know the specifics McDermott mentioned, but I’m told neither Beane nor Pegula was pleased with McDermott’s assessment.”‘
Why was Brandon Beane promoted? Inside Bills GM’s history of poor draft picks, free-agent signings since Josh Allen
‘In Pegula’s statement about McDermott’s firing, he cited that “Brandon [Beane] will oversee all facets of our football operation, including the oversight of our coaching staff. I have full faith in and have witnessed Brandon’s outstanding leadership style and have confidence in his abilities to lead our organization.”‘