Sean McDermott, recently fired by the Buffalo Bills after nine seasons, was reportedly contacted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers about joining head coach Todd Bowles’ staff this offseason. The initial reports from Fox Sports suggested the Buccaneers were the first team linked to McDermott following his surprising departure from Buffalo. However, sources indicate that the 51-year-old coach is “expected to take this year off and re-assess his options in 2027,” making a return to coaching this season unlikely.
McDermott’s tenure in Buffalo ended after a 33-30 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round of the 2025 playoffs, which left his postseason record at 8-8. His firing sparked criticism from Bills players and the fanbase, commonly referred to as “Bills Mafia,” reflecting widespread disappointment with the decision. In response, the Bills promoted offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach as they move forward.
Sean McDermott (NFL)McDermott’s Tampa Bay Ties Highlight Team’s Staff Changes And Coaching Opportunities
McDermott has prior connections to Tampa Bay’s leadership, having worked with Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht in Philadelphia during the early 2000s. The Buccaneers, coming off an 8-9 season and missing the playoffs for the first time in five years, have also been retooling their staff. They fired offensive coordinator Josh Girzzard after one season and hired Zac Robinson from the Falcons to fill the role, signaling changes in the organization alongside their interest in McDermott.
Buffalo was one of ten NFL teams with head coaching changes this offseason, joining New York, Cleveland, Miami, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Tennessee, Las Vegas, and Arizona in seeking new leadership. Arizona and Las Vegas remain the only open vacancies, with Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak emerging as a top candidate for both.
While the Buccaneers expressed interest in adding McDermott to their staff, it appears the former Bills coach will spend the 2026 season evaluating his next move rather than immediately returning to coaching.
