McDermott Prediction Poll

[Kirby Jackson]

Just now, Einstein's Dog said:

A lot of people will not credit McD for a lot of what happened.  Often times it's not easy to move on from the team that does significantly better than predicted - ask B DaBoll.  The Bills decided to move on from the streak-breaking QB and chose another one - both good decisions.

 

Tha decision was made before he was hired. In fact, I’d bet anything that the plan to find the new QB was a large reason he was hired. That was known prior to that year. I don’t think he had ANY say in Tyrod returning in 2018 (neither did Beane). They basically were tasked with finding the next guy. They get a ton of credit for who they picked. Ownership decided though that finding the next QB was an order. 

[Mat68]

I think he will be successful.  Superbowl?  Idk.  I think he will make the team he goes to a playoff team.  If the spot is right maybe a Super bowl. I think the ceiling was hit in Buffalo with Mcdermott and Allen.  I think both will be better moving forward.  

[Call_Of_Ktulu]

Without Josh McD is fired in year 3. 

[machine gun kelly]

6 hours ago, SunDSolar said:

 

He will get a job somewhere and will never manage more then 10 wins in a season

Well, considering he has two 13-4 seasons, a 12-5, season, and the others 11-6, history disagrees with you.  It’s more than just Josh which is the McD haters argument.  Whos to say he doesn’t have a draft of the next top QB?  Honestly, this is becoming old news.  He’s gone already.  Stop liking on.  Not the author of this post, but just in general.

 

Its over.  You guys got your wish.  He’s fired.  Moving on.

[folz]

I think many of you forget the actual timeline of events, even though it was only a few months ago. You act like all 10 head coaching jobs were open and available, and that McD was available to interview for all of those positions and didn't get a sniff, therefore the NFL thinks he sucks too. But...

 

Stefanski was hired on January 18th. (Atlanta)

Jeff Hafley was hired on January 19th (Miami)

 

McDermott was fired by the Bills on January 19th.

Harbaugh (who was fired Jan 6th) was hired on January 20th. (Giants)

 

Jesse Minter was hired on January 22nd (Ravens)

Robert Saleh was hired on January 22nd. (Titans)

 

It's safe to say that those jobs were not available to Sean, because those teams had already done their interviews and made their decisions. Could the Ravens or Titans have stopped their HC search to interview McD, sure. But, if they were 2-3 days away from making their decision when McD was fired, it's safe to say that they were already pretty close on their decision and to throw away however many weeks of their HCing search process and their top candidate at that point for McD wouldn't make a lot of sense. What if they halted the process to interview McD (who maybe doesn't end up taking the job or being the guy they want) and then their top candidate decides he doesn't want the job and/or gets hired somewhere else (as there were still 7 openings at that point---including the newly opened spot as HC for Josh Allen and the Bills, which might be intriguing to their candidate). It could have been a risk. Or let's say they stop the process to hire McD on the spot (which didn't even happen with Harbaugh, he went through a process) and then they find out that he is not a good fit. Now, maybe if he interviewed with those teams, they wouldn't have wanted McD anyhow---teams want what they want and what fits their organization, but I do not think you can say that Sean had a fair/legit chance at those jobs based on when he became available.

 

And then obviously the Bills job doesn't count. So that is 6 of the 10 HC openings that McD didn't really have a legit shot at due to timing.

 

The remaining jobs were filled as follows.

 

Mike McCarthy hired on January 27th (Steelers)

Todd Monken hired on January 28th (Cleveland)

Mike LaFleur hired on February 1st (Cardinals)

Klint Kubiak hired on February 9th. (Raiders)

 

Obviously the Cards and Raiders were waiting for LaFleur and Kubiak (to finish the playoffs). So, seems like they already had those guys in mind, and McD getting fired didn't influence that. So, basically the only real options for McD this coaching cycle would have been Cleveland and Pittsburgh. And he obviously didn't want anything to do with Cleveland. And I could see the Steelers thinking McD was too similar to Tomlin, who they just fired, and probably wasn't a good fit (they needed to fix their offense). Sean was contacted by Cleveland (in regards to HC) and Tampa also wanted him to join their staff (obviously not as HC, but probably in an advisory/asst HC role).

 

People say, yeah well Harbaugh got hired right away. But Harbaugh was fired two weeks before Sean was, so he was actually available to interview for all of the teams if he wanted and to go through the full process (multiple interviews, etc.)

 

It's just silly to act like 10 teams just completely dismissed McDermott as a candidate because they all know he sucks and it was all Josh Allen in Buffalo. And it is not unusual for coaches to take a year off and then put their hat back in, either because they came in late to the process, are not interested in the jobs that might be available, or they think they need some downtime to reset. Happens all the time, guy gets fired, sits out a year, and then gets hired the following season when there are more and better options available and they can be available for the full interviewing process, etc.

 

And it is not crazy, for anyone, in a big life transition moment to need to take a step back and assess things properly, rather than jumping right into something else when you haven't processed your emotions yet and may not make the best decision out of a feeling of desperation, pride, or whatever. Plus, for the new team, if a coach is fresh off of an unexpected and emotional firing do you worry that maybe his head might not be fully in your building right at the get go? He'll try to, but may not be able to fully do it. Remember when Rex came to Buffalo (right after being fired by the Jets)? Talked a good game, but as the season and his tenure went on, it just felt like he didn't really care that much, his heart wasn't in it, he was drained/tired (not saying a year off might have made him a better coach for Buffalo, just that I think it is a legit concern when hiring a HC).

 

Just some food for thought, but I have a sneaking suspicion that many of you may be eating some crow next year as Sean gets a good HCing gig and does well in his new location.

 

But, as I said in an earlier post, only time will tell at this point. Let's focus on the Bills moving forward with Brady and Leonard.

 

[Especially if you can't muster even an ounce of appreciation for a guy that gave his blood and guts for our team---regardless of how good a HC you think he is.]

 

[MasterStrategist]

7 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

McDermott was fired once teams were already mid search and his agent let it be known by the Thursday (he was fired on the Monday) that he wanted to take a year out. 

 

He will get a job next January. 100%. Take it to the bank. 

I would agree it is "very likely" he lands a HC job next year, but here is why I don't consider it a "take it to the bank" guarantee:

 

Path 1: team that fires a defensive-minded head-coach

IMO, change is the very thing that fans, owners, leadership look for when they fire a coach.  I'd consider any team firing a defensive-coach, an unlikely landing spot for McD

 

Path 2: team does not have a franchise QB & picking high in the upcoming draft

Trend has been to match an offensive-minded HC to groom their future franchise QB.  Another unlikely landing spot.

 

I think he'd be a candidate for any scenario contradictory to above OR a team with an established Off Coordinator who isn't looking to make the climb to HC.  

 

There are certain coaches in this league that have success, coaching their side of the ball, regardless---Reid, McVay, Shanahan, & others.  Sean doesn't have that track record IMO.

 

I'd have reservations bringing in a prior HC who literally had an elite QB and couldn't make a single SB appearance.  

 

Let's reverse this situation, what if McD was coming to us --- would we be inspired with his track record?  I for sure would be hesitant, given his record is a direct reflection of having a superstar QB.  Not taking anything away from McD, but he isn't as surefire as some think to land a HC gig again.

 

I think the answer to the last question depends on where a team is at in the spectrum (Point A=no playoff appearances in years, Point B=contender with lack of success in playoffs).  Sean matches a Point A type situation ideally, our situations 9 years ago was about as unique as it comes with the "streak" --- then Beane orchestrated a masterful plan to get us a chance at a franchise QB, which he then crushed the pick.  Sean doesn't have a franchise QB, I see him as a poor man's Tomlin.

 

 

Edited May 4 by MasterStrategist

[GunnerBill]

1 hour ago, MasterStrategist said:

I would agree it is "very likely" he lands a HC job next year, but here is why I don't consider it a "take it to the bank" guarantee:

 

Path 1: team that fires a defensive-minded head-coach

IMO, change is the very thing that fans, owners, leadership look for when they fire a coach.  I'd consider any team firing a defensive-coach, an unlikely landing spot for McD

 

Path 2: team does not have a franchise QB & picking high in the upcoming draft

Trend has been to match an offensive-minded HC to groom their future franchise QB.  Another unlikely landing spot.

 

I think he'd be a candidate for any scenario contradictory to above OR a team with an established Off Coordinator who isn't looking to make the climb to HC.  

 

There are certain coaches in this league that have success, coaching their side of the ball, regardless---Reid, McVay, Shanahan, & others.  Sean doesn't have that track record IMO.

 

I'd have reservations bringing in a prior HC who literally had an elite QB and couldn't make a single SB appearance.  

 

Let's reverse this situation, what if McD was coming to us --- would we be inspired with his track record?  I for sure would be hesitant, given his record is a direct reflection of having a superstar QB.  Not taking anything away from McD, but he isn't as surefire as some think to land a HC gig again.

 

I think the answer to the last question depends on where a team is at in the spectrum (Point A=no playoff appearances in years, Point B=contender with lack of success in playoffs).  Sean matches a Point A type situation ideally, our situations 9 years ago was about as unique as it comes with the "streak" --- then Beane orchestrated a masterful plan to get us a chance at a franchise QB, which he then crushed the pick.  Sean doesn't have a franchise QB, I see him as a poor man's Tomlin.

 

 

 

His fit is a team that needs a culture reset. I actually think the Jets makes a ton of sense. If the Bengals bust this year that does too. Colts if there is a hard reset and both Ballard and Steichen are canned. Carolina, obviously. Tampa. 

 

They are the jobs that I think could be available and where McDermott fits.

[Don Otreply]

The most recent discussion here pretty much says McDermott is a level two HC ing candidate good for teams that need a rebuild, his past success with generational Qb talent certainly knocks him out of the level one HC ing candidate, he will only get hired by lower rung teams, and likely only last five ish years, jmo, and then by a miracle becomes the NFL league chaplain…, 

[MasterStrategist]

1 hour ago, GunnerBill said:

 

His fit is a team that needs a culture reset. I actually think the Jets makes a ton of sense. If the Bengals bust this year that does too. Colts if there is a hard reset and both Ballard and Steichen are canned. Carolina, obviously. Tampa. 

 

They are the jobs that I think could be available and where McDermott fits.

I can see all those as fits.

 

Is McD a big city/New York coach?  I feel like that could be a career ending decision by him.  He just doesnt have the personality IMO.

 

I see Tampa going with an offensive mind.  

 

Carolina makes the most sense for many reasons.  They just clinched the playoffs, not sure that job is opening after next yr unless a collapse.

[Reks Ryan]

First, I believe McD will be selective where he coaches next.   So he will go to a situation & ownership group that he perceives will be a fit with his standards & vision. Second, he is a quality coach and his message & process will be fresh in a new organization.  I do believe it got stale with the Bills.
 

There are plenty of poorly run teams and overwhelmed coaches who shouldn’t be HC in the NFL. We saw it from the time Wade left

in 2000 to McDermott’s arrival in 17’. 6 consecutive bad HC hires.   14 teams make playoffs.  McDermott will make it more years than not.  Josh is not the only reason the Bills made it 8 out 9 years, and won a

playoff game 6 straight seasons.

 

If his team regularly makes the postseason, 

A few breaks and good vet QB like Darnold, or real good young QB he could definitely be a SB winning coach.  To me it’s not even a close argument compared to flaming out.

 

[BullBuchanan]

He won't appear in a Super Bowl unless he buys a ticket, so it has to be the other one, even if I think that's pessimistic.

[folz]

17 hours ago, BullBuchanan said:

He won't appear in a Super Bowl unless he buys a ticket, so it has to be the other one, even if I think that's pessimistic.

 

I know you are referring to his chances in regards to his next job (and that is fair...just general odds are against him), but I just don't understand this notion (by many fans, not directed at you specifically Bull) that there is no possible way that Sean could ever make a Super Bowl. He's just a coach who could never do it, no matter what, because he's just not good enough to do so.

 

Well, he did make a Super Bowl as a defensive coordinator. His defensive rankings that year were 6th in yards, 6th in points, and 1st in takeaways.

 

2025: If the refs call the Brandin Cooks catch a reception, the Bills win and then go to New England. No way we lose to that Pats team. Bills should have been in the Super Bowl last season if not for the refs.

 

2024: AFC Championship game. The NFL/refs hosed Buffalo (the tush push first down that they took away, the Worthy non-catch that the refs gave to KC, and multiple, purposeful bad spots for Buffalo during the game). Again, we should have been in the Super Bowl in 2024. But the NFL didn't decree it. They wanted the Chiefs and Taylor Swift at the SB for marketing.

 

2021: Yes, 13 seconds is on his shoulders. But, what if the Bills won the coin toss in overtime. The Chiefs defense couldn't stop us that game (just as we couldn't stop their offense). If we win that coin toss, maybe we move on to face Cincy. No guarantee that we beat them (as we had issues with them in 2022), but there is a good chance we could have made the Super Bowl that year if just a coin toss went our way.

 

2023: We would have needed more to happen. But, if Bass makes that FG, we go to overtime. We would have had to beat KC in OT, which isn't a guarantee, but if they did, then we face Baltimore in the AFC Championship game. We have owned Baltimore for the most part (and KC held them to 10 points in the Championship game). Stands to reason, we could have beat them and advanced to the Super Bowl.

 

I mean one bad call by the refs, a coin toss, a missed field goal, and an entire game called badly by the refs are what has prevented us (Sean) from reaching the Super Bowl. It's not like we got continually blown out in big playoff games, or didn't have chances, or were overmatched, or weren't screwed by the league.

 

This idea that he is a coach that could never, ever make a Super Bowl just does not ring true to me. Of course, moving forward it will have to deal with where he goes (need good ownership, good GM, good QB play, etc.). And for any NFL coach, it is more likely (just by odds) to not make a Super Bowl than to make one, so I'm not saying McD will make a Super Bowl elsewhere (that is a big IF for any coach moving to a new situation), but to say he could never, ever do it no matter what the circumstances are sounds like bias to me, not analysis.

 

 

Edited May 5 by folz

[JakeFrommStateFarm]

I'm hearing rumors hes going to coach in college next season

[Captain Hindsight]

On 5/5/2026 at 1:44 PM, JakeFrommStateFarm said:

I'm hearing rumors hes going to coach in college next season

I highly doubt that

[Gregg]

9 hours ago, Captain Hindsight said:

I highly doubt that

 

Anything thing is possible. I never would have thought Bill would coach in college especially since he is not that far away from catching Shula as the all-time NFL's winningest HC.

[Gugny]

He’s the Buck Showalter of the NFL. 

[Captain Hindsight]

1 hour ago, Gregg said:

 

Anything thing is possible. I never would have thought Bill would coach in college especially since he is not that far away from catching Shula as the all-time NFL's winningest HC.

Sure, but BB is also way older. No team was going to give him the keys to the franchise at age 77. Judging by the fact the Pats* were in the SB 2 years after he left, that opinion was valid 

[Kirby Jackson]

11 hours ago, Captain Hindsight said:

I highly doubt that

I thought pre-nil, McDermott would have made a lot of sense for a middling college program. I’m not trying to pick on anyone but think of Pitt or Wisconsin or West Virginia. He could have organized a team and had a prepared group. 
 

He doesn’t strike me as someone that would want to recruit. That’s the majority of the job. His 1/53rd mindset does not work in 2026 NCAA. You don’t win because everyone sticks together and does their part. You win because you have NFL talent that your opponents don’t have. When the talent is comparable then it comes down to who is the better coach. I don’t see a blue blood ever being interested in him because talent acquisition is the most important factor. 

[colin]

i really hope he goes to the jets next season.  he might end up middle of the pack after a couple of seasons if arch manning works out for them, we'll get our wins over them but maybe they can hurt the rest of the division.

 

cook and allen's numbers will get padded, which might make resigning them expensive tho.

[Gregg]

3 minutes ago, colin said:

i really hope he goes to the jets next season.  he might end up middle of the pack after a couple of seasons if arch manning works out for them, we'll get our wins over them but maybe they can hurt the rest of the division.

 

cook and allen's numbers will get padded, which might make resigning them expensive tho.

 

I don't see McDermott wanting to work for Johnson. He is in the running for worst owner in all of sports.