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Sean McDermott turned down potential role with NFC team

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Jan 28, 2026 3:41 PM ET

Former Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott is serious about taking a year off instead of joining an NFL staff.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers reached out to McDermott about possibly joining their defensive staff for the 2026 season, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. McDermott, however, was not interested, and still intends to take a year off.

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

The Bills surprised many by firing McDermott after the team lost in the AFC Divisional round. Because the firing happened so late in the coaching cycle, he did not have a full menu of head coaching jobs to choose from, assuming he wants to go that route again. He subsequently made the decision to take a year off instead of settling for an assistant job in 2026.

McDermott figures to be in demand in 2027, possibly as a head coaching candidate. He will look even better if the Bills regress after his departure. It makes ample sense that he would rather wait and re-assess next winter instead of taking whatever job offer comes his way for a year.

McDermott went 98-50 as Buffalo’s head coach and led the team to the playoffs eight times.

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

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