Executive Insights
- Sean McDermott fired on Jan 19, 2026, after 9 seasons.
- Final game: 33-30 OT loss to Denver Broncos in Divisional Round.
- Primary cause: Defensive tactical failures in playoffs and lack of Super Bowl appearances.
- McDermott leaves with a 98-50 regular season record but 8-8 in playoffs.
- Friction with Josh Allen and ‘philosophical differences’ cited as contributing factors.
- GM Brandon Beane retained to lead coaching search.
The Catalyst: 2025 Divisional Round Collapse
While the decision to fire McDermott was likely cumulative, the specific tactical failures in the Divisional Round loss to the Denver Broncos served as the final nail in the coffin. Despite a 12-5 regular season and a Wild Card victory over the Jaguars, the defense—McDermott’s calling card—crumbled in critical moments.
Tactical Breakdown of the Final Defeat
- Pass Rush Invisibility: Facing a mediocre Broncos offensive line and rookie/sophomore QB Bo Nix, McDermott’s defensive front recorded zero sacks on 46 dropbacks. The refusal to dial up exotic pressures allowed Nix to get comfortable in the pocket.
- The 3rd & 11 Blunder: With 2:38 remaining and the Bills leading 27-23, McDermott showed a “Cover 0” blitz look with seven defenders on the line, only to drop three into soft coverage at the snap. This hesitation allowed Nix to find Courtland Sutton for a 25-yard gain, extending the drive that would force overtime.
- Personnel mismanagement: When cornerback Tre’Davious White left the game with an injury during the final drive, McDermott left replacement Dane Jackson on an island without safety help, resulting in an immediate 26-yard touchdown concession to Marvin Mims.
The Controversial Interception
The game ended in controversy when a deep pass from Josh Allen to Brandin Cooks in overtime was ruled an interception by Broncos DB Ja’Quan McMillian. While McDermott and players like Cooks insisted it was a catch (citing possession before hitting the ground), the call stood, ending Buffalo’s season. However, owner Terry Pegula reportedly viewed the team’s inability to win before that play as the primary failure.
The “Tyler Dunne” Factor & Locker Room Friction
Reports from independent journalist Tyler Dunne surfaced again post-firing, highlighting a long-standing philosophical disconnect between McDermott and franchise quarterback Josh Allen. The core issues included:
- Personality Clash: Sources described McDermott’s rigid, process-oriented culture as stifling to Allen’s improvised, “gunslinger” playstyle.
- Lack of Accountability: The friction reportedly peaked after the infamous “13 Seconds” loss to the Chiefs years prior, where McDermott allegedly blamed execution rather than his own defensive play-calling.
- The Final Straw: In the post-game locker room following the Broncos loss, witnesses described Josh Allen as “listless” and “sobbing,” a reaction that reportedly signaled to ownership that the quarterback needed a new voice to maximize his prime.
Legacy by the Numbers (2017–2025)
Sean McDermott leaves Buffalo as the second-winningest coach in franchise history, trailing only Marv Levy. His regular-season consistency was elite, but his postseason ceiling proved fatal.
| Metric | Stat | NFL Rank (Since 2017) |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Season Record | 98-50 (.662) | Top 5 |
| Playoff Appearances | 8 in 9 seasons | Top 3 |
| Playoff Record | 8-8 | Middle of Pack |
| AFC East Titles | 6 | 1st in Division |
| Super Bowl Appearances | 0 | N/A |
What’s Next?
For the Bills
GM Brandon Beane has been retained and promoted to President of Football Operations. The search for a new head coach is underway, with a clear mandate: find an offensive-minded leader who can harmonize with Josh Allen. Joe Brady (current OC) is a candidate, but outside names like Bobby Slowik or Ben Johnson (if available) are expected to be targeted.
For Sean McDermott
Insiders suggest McDermott may take the 2026 season off to recharge. Despite the firing, his .662 winning percentage makes him a top candidate for future openings, potentially following the path of coaches like Mike McCarthy or Andy Reid who found success in second acts.
In-Depth Q&A
Q: Why was Sean McDermott fired by the Buffalo Bills?
Sean McDermott was fired primarily due to his inability to reach the Super Bowl despite consistent playoff appearances. The catalyst was a 33-30 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the 2025 Divisional Round, coupled with defensive scheme failures and reports of friction with QB Josh Allen.
Q: What was Sean McDermott’s final record with the Bills?
McDermott finished his nine-season tenure (2017-2025) with a regular-season record of 98-50 (.662 winning percentage) and a playoff record of 8-8.
Q: Who will replace Sean McDermott as head coach?
As of late January 2026, no replacement has been named. GM Brandon Beane is leading the search, with reports suggesting the team is prioritizing an offensive-minded coach to partner with Josh Allen.
Q: Did Sean McDermott get a contract extension before being fired?
Yes, McDermott signed a contract extension in June 2023 that ran through the 2027 season. The Bills will owe him a significant buyout, estimated to be around $16 million for the remaining years.
Q: What happened in the controversial Bills vs. Broncos overtime game?
In overtime of the 2025 Divisional Round, a deep pass to Bills WR Brandin Cooks was ruled an interception by Broncos DB Ja’Quan McMillian. The Bills argued it was a catch, but the call stood. The Broncos subsequently drove downfield to win 33-30.
