Sean McDermott Makes Coaching Decision After Bills Firing

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sami Haider | Last updated Jan 28, 2026 7:22 PM ET

Sean McDermott's abrupt exit from the Buffalo Bills came with absolute shock after a 33-30 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in a hard-fought, high-scoring divisional round game. Owner Terry Pegula axed McDermott just two days later, claiming he saw Josh Allen with his head down crying in the locker room.

The image of the Bills quarterback's emotional toll sealed McDermott's fate after nine seasons. Following the firing, the ex-Bills coach finds himself in an interesting spot.

Fox Sports' Greg Auman reports the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reached out to him.

“Bucs talked to ex-Bills coach Sean McDermott to check about joining Todd Bowles' staff, but he's expected to take this year off and re-assess his options in 2027," Auman posted on X. "McDermott overlapped with [Bucs GM] Jason Licht with Eagles 2003-07 and interviewed for Bucs' HC job in 2016.”

Bucs talked to ex-Bills coach Sean McDermott to check about joining Todd Bowles' staff, but he's expected to take this year off and re-assess his options in 2027. McDermott overlapped with Jason Licht with Eagles 2003-07 and interviewed for Bucs' HC job in 2016.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) January 28, 2026

Ten years after interviewing for the Bucs' head coaching job, McDermott was in contact with them again with the organization making several changes to Bowles' staff after a disappointing 8-9 season that included seven losses in their final nine games.

Though McDermott never reached the Super Bowl, he made eight playoff appearances in his nine-year coaching career, posting a 98-50 record. He even broke Buffalo’s 17-year postseason drought and came close to making Super Bowl appearances twice, losing the AFC Championship Game both times to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Having that impressive résumé, he could have been a solid part of the Bucs’ current overhaul period. But it appears he could be taking some time before determining his next coaching move.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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