As he addressed the media for one last time before fully diving into the offseason, Allen raised eyebrows with a very sincere statement on his former head coach’s firing. In that regard, Allen held himself accountable for the organization’s decision.

“I’d be lying if I was sitting here saying I didn’t have part in it. If I make one more play in Denver we’re probably not having this press conference,” Allen stated, as quoted by Matthew Bove of WKBW.

Playoff still stings

Weeks have passed since the Bills’ 33–30 loss to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round, but Allen has yet to come to terms with the result. In more ways than one, the 2026 NFL Playoffs offered the most favorable path for Allen and the Bills to finally get over the hump and reach the Super Bowl.

However, Allen’s four turnovers—including the controversial interception in overtime—came back to haunt Buffalo. Those mistakes proved costly for the Bills, but even more so for McDermott, who ultimately lost his job as a result. Far from beating around the bush, Allen expressed his remorse with a message he hopes will provide some closure for his former coach.

Bills eye a Super Bowl

With or without McDermott, the goal for the Bills remains unchanged. However, Buffalo may never face a road through the AFC without the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow ever again.

If Allen’s championship window narrowed down to all three of them missing the postseason, then the Bills might be in much trouble. Buffalo failed to make hay while the sun shined last season, but the Bills know that if a Super Bowl is to come, it will likely be earned by weathering the storm.

The Miami Dolphins are hiring Jahmile Addae to be their new cornerbacks coach in 2026. Addae had held the same job for the Bills since the 2024 NFL season, when McDermott brought him up to the league after years coaching in college football.

With his addition to Jeff Hafley’s staff, the Dolphins hope to bounce back after a disastrous 2025 campaign. Surprisingly, Addae has no ties to the Green Bay Packers, who have been an almost exclusive pipeline for many of the recent tweaks made within the organization in Miami Gardens.

Meanwhile, Allen and the Bills are witnessing a growing divide between the coaches favored by McDermott and the current plan put forward by Brady. Winter isn’t coming—it’s already here—and it will be a long one in Buffalo, where the bar has been raised and even a minor misstep could prove costly.

Addae is back in Miami

Though Addae has never been with the Dolphins, he definitely knows his way around the 305, and especially Hard Rock Stadium. The 41-year-old coach was the secondary’s coach for the Miami Hurricanes in 2022. That was his last coaching job in college football before joining McDermott’s Bills.

Addae’s work in Buffalo

Though Allen steals the spotlight in Orchard Park, the Bills feature one of the top defenses in the league. Moreover, the secondary has been a strong point of the unit, with key cornerbacks emerging in recent years. As a result, Addae deserves significant recognition for his work in Western New York.

With the Dolphins facing what may be their Achilles’ heel at cornerback—aside from the obvious quarterback dilemma—Addae’s addition provides a beacon of hope for a franchise that has recently lost much of its own.

Despite another strong year from Allen, the Bills couldn‘t get over the hump in the NFL Playoffs. Despite the AFC missing Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow in the playoff picture, Buffalo waved its Super Bowl dreams goodbye during its visit to the Denver Broncos in the Divisional round. That was all she wrote for McDermott in upstate New York, and the organization is now looking elsewhere for a replacement.

Reports now suggest that the Bills could sign a five-time Super Bowl champion to help Allen after McDermott’s firing. Still, every option remains on the table for Buffalo. Whichever route the Bills take, Allen will have a big say in the matter, as owner Terry Pagula has confirmed. In addition to his role as QB1 and the face of the franchise, Allen will now serve as a consultant, too.

“The starting quarterback will be part of the team to help select the new coach,” Pegula admitted during a press conference. “[Allen] is going to be working with us. Anything else, his feelings, I want to keep them private.”

Bills are among the best HC openings

Boasting a quarterback like Josh Allen, the Bills will have no trouble finding coaches more than happy to join the organization. However, for Buffalo, it’s about finding the right person for the job. Someone who can take the perennial playoff team McDermott has put together and reach the next level. That is becoming a team that plays for championships year after year.

It’s not an easy task, but talents like Allen don’t grow on trees in the NFL, and the Bills are well aware that the clock is ticking in their championship window.

Early HC favorite

According to several reports, one name has emerged as the favorite to become the next head coach in Buffalo: Brian Daboll, whom many credit for Josh Allen’s rise to superstardom. Daboll served as the Bills’ offensive coordinator from the 2018 through the 2021 NFL seasons.

If Daboll returns in a head-coaching capacity, fans in Orchard Park believe the sky is the limit for Allen and the Bills. Who knows—maybe Buffalo finally breaks its Super Bowl curse in the first season at its new home.

Ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Bills traded their first-round pick (28th overall) to the Chiefs. That selection resulted in Texas Longhorns speedster Xavier Worthy—who had set a new 40-yard dash record at the Combine—being drafted by Kansas City. Meanwhile, the Bills landed Keon Coleman out of Florida State University with the 33rd overall selection. Coleman didn’t have Worthy’s top-end speed, but he was considered a more reliable target, particularly in the slot and in one-on-one contested catches.

Fast forward two seasons, and Coleman hasn’t met expectations, with McDermott and Buffalo even going so far as to healthy scratch him for some outings during the 2025 NFL season. All the hype around the fan-favorite wideout has now run dry, and Pegula was quick to point the finger at the former head coach for selecting Coleman.

“The coaching staff pushed to pick Keon [Coleman],” Pegula recently admitted in a press conference, as reported by ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg on X. During his media availability, the Bills’ owner confirmed why McDermott was fired with a clear message for Allen.

Coleman vs. Worthy: Stats comparison

So far in his two-year NFL career, Coleman has appeared in 26 games, registering 67 receptions for 960 yards and 8 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Worthy has played 31 games, catching 101 passes for 1,170 yards and 7 TDs. Worthy has also been used in the ground game, as he has 31 rushing attempts for 191 yards and three touchdowns.

While the Bills are having second thoughts about their 33rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Chiefs have concerns of their own about Worthy. His numbers this season have been greatly limited by an injury sustained on the second play of the season opener in Sao Paulo, Brazil, against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Even when active, however, his production remained low, and he looked far different from the explosive rookie who could turn any play into a big one in 2024. Now, Mahomes and the Chiefs have realized the comparisons to Tyreek Hill were far off.

Not a great look for Bills

When things go south, it’s easier to point the blame at those who are no longer on the team. Bills owner Pegula has done just that, admitting who was behind Keon Coleman’s selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. The young wide receiver out of Florida State University has been under duress as of late, and Pegula’s comments do little to help his case.

Touted as Allen’s No. 1 target, Coleman has been inconsistent and has struggled with drops. The spotlight across social media has shifted to him in recent days after Cam Newton put him on blast in a viral video. Adding to the drama with his comments, Pegula is doing Buffalo’s image no favors.

This move in the Bills’ staff has raised more questions than answers, prompting team owner Terry Pegula to speak with the press and, in a way, clarify the reasons behind this major decision.

“My decision was based on the game in Denver,” he said according to Katherine Fitzgerald via X. Insider Ian Rapoport, for his part, also revealed on the platform that Pegula specifically focused on the team’s inability to advance further in the playoffs: “I felt like we hit the proverbial playoff wall.”

Having dominated the AFC East in recent years but never quite reaching the Super Bowl, that proved to be the final blow, leading McDermott to seek new opportunities elsewhere in the league.

Hope rides on Allen

The decision to part ways with McDermott can also be seen as a renewed vote of confidence in Allen as the leader of the team. Pegula knows there’s still room for improvement, and that the team’s star has what it takes to get it done.

“He had given everything he had to try to win that game. And so did every other player on the team,” the owner said. “I know we can do better, and I know we will get better.”

New faces in Buffalo

Quickly moving past recent events and looking ahead, the Bills announced a list of 12 players signed to reserve/future contracts, including Mecole Hardman Jr. The wide receiver, a three-time Super Bowl champion with Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs, is expected to play a bigger role in Buffalo’s offense next season.

The move sent shockwaves throughout the league and across the NFL landscape. McDermott responded shortly after with an emotional farewell letter. In the message, the longtime head coach expressed gratitude to the organization, the city of Buffalo, and especially the fan base that supported him throughout his tenure.

“We love you. We will miss Buffalo. Bills Mafia, you are one of one,” McDermott wrote, in excerpts that quickly circulated the league. While the message struck an emotional chord, many around the NFL believed the dismissal was rooted in postseason frustration. The Bills appeared to have the ideal conditions for a deep playoff run and ultimately fell short once again.

Buffalo entered an AFC playoff bracket without Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, or Joe Burrow, and even Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers were eliminated early. With the path seemingly open, the loss to Denver only intensified the sense that a major opportunity had slipped away, prompting organizational change.

Possible replacements for McDermott

Several candidates have already emerged as potential replacements. According to ESPN’s Peter Schrager, former Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and current offensive coordinator Joe Brady are both under consideration, but a third name has also gained traction around the league.

That name is Davis Webb, a former Bills quarterback who spent three seasons in Buffalo alongside Josh Allen and is currently on Sean Payton’s staff in Denver. Webb has already interviewed with Las Vegas and Baltimore, signaling that his profile is rising quickly in coaching circles.

However, league rules limit Buffalo’s ability to move quickly. The Bills cannot formally interview candidates who are part of active NFL playoff teams, meaning they would need to wait until the Broncos are eliminated. If Denver reaches the Super Bowl, Buffalo would be forced to delay the process until after February 8, potentially extending an already pivotal offseason for the franchise.

According to Peter Schrager of ESPN, while Brian Daboll and Joe Brady are candidates to replace McDermott, a third name has popped up. That name is Davis Webb. Now under Sean Payton in Denver, Webb played three years in Buffalo alongside Josh Allen. Webb already met with Las Vegas and Baltimore. However, according to league rules, the Bills can’t interview candidates on active playoff teams. Hence, they could interview Webb until the Broncos are eliminated, and if they go to the Super Bowl, they would have to wait until after February 8th.

Webb is only 30 years old, and was with the Bills from 2019-2021. However, his only work as a player in the NFL were one game in Buffalo where he only kneeled down for -3 yards, and one in 2022 with the Giants, where he completed 23/40 passes for 168 yards and one touchdown. After that, he decided to move into coaching, where he’s been nurtured by Sean Payton.

Has Davis Webb done enough as OC to get HC looks?

As soon as he retired, Webb got hired by Sean Payton to become the Denver Broncos QB coach. After helping develop Bo Nix during his rookie year, the Broncos promoted him to Offensive Pass Game Coordinator, where he held both QB and Pass Game Coordinator roles.

His job has been impressive, and the 30-year-old finds himself being a coveted head coaching candidate. Not only has he interviewed with the Raiders and Ravens, but the Bills are taking more and more momentum now that McDermott is gone. Not for nothing, he spent three years with the organization so they know him very well, albeit as a player more than a coach. Still, the fact is he could easily become a big name to monitor in the following weeks.

Sean Payton’s coaching tree is volatile

Hiring someone under Sean Payton’s coaching tree would look like a great idea. After all, he is one of the best in the business. However, not everyone can replicate what Sean Payton is. Hence, names under his coaching tree have mixed results.

The most successful hire of a Sean Payton pupil is Dan Campbell. He has transformed the Lions, although they just had a down season in 2025. Dennis Allen is proving his worth right now as the Bears DC, but his time as HC wasn’t very good. Still, what is true is that Payton’s philosophy is having a QB-friendly structure, with plenty of protection, pre-snap and motion, and focusing on progressions. If Webb is able to translate that, he could have bright future.

During his early steps in the NFL, the quarterback was mentored by a former offensive coordinator in Buffalo. That man is Brian Daboll, who until recently served as head coach of the Giants, and is reportedly a favorite of the front office, according to Diana Russini on X.

The list of candidates to replace McDermott includes Daboll, as well as other key figures, some of whom have already held talks with other franchises. Among them are Joe Brady, Mike McDaniel, and Grant Udinsky.

It will ultimately be a matter of watching how the days unfold in Orchard Park, where there will likely want a decision as soon as possible. Could a Daboll-Allen reunion be on the horizon once again?

The reasons behind the firing

The decision in Buffalo has sent shockwaves through the league, but the underlying reasons point to a lack of postseason breakthrough. For many fans and analysts asking why did the Bills fire Sean McDermott?, the answer lies in a mounting frustration with the team’s ceiling.

According to Dianna Russini, the organization simply got tired of seeing Buffalo fall short in the playoffs under McDermott’s leadership. Despite consistent regular-season success and multiple AFC East titles, the inability to overcome the final hurdles in January ultimately convinced the front office that a change was necessary to reach the Super Bowl.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, McDermott communicated to his staff that he intends to coach in 2026. Hence, he could become a valuable head coaching candidate for many teams still on the lookout.

McDermott is an experienced, proved coach in the NFL. However, he will have other things around him not playing in his favor. For instance, he is an old-school, defensive-minded coach. Those type of coaches have seen how the new NFL passes them by. If McDermott wants to get a top job, he must be capable of getting the groove of football, instead of relying on a superstar quarterback.

Which teams are looking for a HC?

As of now, the HC market is wide open. The Giants already signed a contract with John Harbaugh, and the Falcons announced Kevin Stefanski, but there are still a lot of teams out there still in the process of selecting a new head coach.

The teams that remain looking for a new head coach are: Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders, and Miami Dolphins. Now, only Baltimore could provide a top-tier quarterback for McDermott, but it remains to be seen if they are interested in interviewing him.

McDermott’s numbers as a head coach

After being the defensive coordinator of the Eagles, and then the DC of the Super Bowl-runner-ups Panthers, the Bills hired McDermott as their head coach. In nine seasons, he had eight winning seasons, in which he won double-digit games seven times.

McDermott’s record as the Bills HC was good. Under his belt, McDermott earned five divisional titles. Still, it was time for a change and, if he lands on a good spot, it could also be a huge new opportunity for McDermott.

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Bills are retaining Beane, who will lead the search for a new head coach for the first time in years—with many candidates to replace McDermott as the Bills HC already emerging. McDermott served as the Bills head coach since 2017, but another playoff collapse sealed his fate.

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Bills‘ brass thought the Divisional Round playoff against the Denver Broncos was winnable, and they got tired of seeing Buffalo fall short in the playoffs under McDermott.

“From recent conversations with people in the Bills’ organization, the sense I get is that it felt that there were opportunities to win Saturday in Denver, officiating or otherwise. Leadership felt a change was necessary after coming up short of the Super Bowl yet again,” Russini wrote on X.

Bills’ lack of playoff success seals Sean McDermott’s fate

Two things can be true. While McDermott led the Bills back to prominence after years of struggles, his team failed to deliver when it mattered most. Despite leading Buffalo to postseason appearances in eight of his nine years at the helm, he never made the Super Bowl.

And with a quarterback of Josh Allen’s caliber at his disposal, not reaching the big game in almost a decade is seen is a huge failure. Not even the five consecutive AFC East titles can hide that fact.

Overall, McDermott is leaving Buffalo with a 98-50 regular season record, in addition to an 8-8 playoff record. Now, Beane and the Bills will try to get their next coaching hire right to get over the hump once and for all.

The first and more direct answer is in the Bills’ building. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady is scheduled to have plenty of HC interviews this offseason and the Bills might very well have the opportunity to keep him in. Other names like Mike McDaniel, Brian Daboll (a well-known face for the franchise), and Grant Udinski come to mind.

This is if they want to focus on an offensive-minded coach to help bring the best out of Josh Allen, who is still on his prime. Hence, the focus should be bringing a new-school, offensive mastermind. However, the Bills could go for another route.

Who are the defensive-minded coaches on the market?

McDermott was a defense-oriented head coach, and if for some reason the Bills want to keep that path going, there are some intriguing names. However, the Bills need to rush as some of these names might be off the market really soon.

Robert Saleh has revitalized himself as the 49ers DC, and knows the division pretty well given his past with the Jets. Chris Shula is getting heavy eyes on him after what he has done for the Rams, and the Bills could also try to poach Jeff Hafley away from AFC East rivals Dolphins.

The Bills are heading into a new era

While McDermott’s record in Buffalo wasn’t bad, the fact is that his postseason shortcomings were too much to keep him on the team. As the Bills enter a new era with a new stadium, they will also have a new head coach.

Josh Allen is arguably the best quarterback in the NFL and the feeling is that he is more than capable to win a Super Bowl if given the correct coach. In fact, Buffalo becomes a premium destination because it’s not every day that there’s an opening to coach a guy like Allen. However, what is for sure is that a new era will come to the Bills, as stadium, fans, and a new head coach will surely bring expectations.