Former Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott is expected to step away from coaching for the 2026 NFL season after being dismissed following a successful nine-year tenure in Buffalo. According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, McDermott appears content to take a year off, even though several NFL head coaching vacancies remain, including positions with the Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, and Las Vegas Raiders. Rapoport noted that McDermott’s name would be a top candidate for nearly any head coaching job if he chose to pursue one.
McDermott’s departure came on January 19, just two days after Buffalo’s 33-30 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round. During his time with the Bills, McDermott led the team to eight playoff appearances in nine seasons, including seven consecutive postseason trips. Despite guiding quarterback Josh Allen, the reigning NFL MVP, McDermott never reached the Super Bowl, although Buffalo made two AFC Championship appearances, falling both times to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Sean McDermott (NFL)McDermott Leaves Buffalo With Historic Success While Planning Thoughtful Year-Long Coaching Break
Under McDermott, Buffalo achieved historic consistency, becoming the first team to win a playoff game in six consecutive seasons without claiming a Super Bowl title. He finished his Bills tenure as the second-winningest coach in franchise history, compiling a 98-50 regular-season record and an 8-8 postseason mark. At the time of his firing, McDermott had two years remaining on his contract, valued at approximately $8 million per season, leaving Buffalo owing him around $16 million.
Rapoport emphasized that taking a year off after a long coaching stint is often beneficial, providing time to recharge, reflect, and carefully plan the next step. McDermott has not pursued any of the current openings and seems likely to use the upcoming year to reexamine his options and consider when and where to return to NFL coaching.
This break allows McDermott to step away from immediate pressure while maintaining his status as a highly sought-after candidate whenever he decides to re-enter the head coaching cycle.
