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Sean McDermott’s Career Decision After Losing Bills’ Coaching Job

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Jan 25, 2026 2:50 PM ET

The Buffalo Bills made a franchise-altering decision following their 33-30 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the AFC divisional round, parting ways with Josh Allen’s long time head coach Sean McDermott after nine seasons at the helm.

McDermott leaves Buffalo as one of the most successful coaches in team history, posting an impressive 98-50 regular-season record, ending the franchise’s long playoff drought and guiding the Bills to eight postseason appearances, including AFC Championship Games. Despite that sustained success, the Bills were unable to break through to a Super Bowl, prompting ownership to pursue a new direction for the franchise.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) and head coach Sean McDermott.David Butler II-Imagn Images

In the immediate aftermath of his dismissal, attention shifted to what McDermott’s next move might be.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the veteran coach is “likely” to take a year off from coaching rather than jump straight into another job. Rapoport noted that McDermott is expected to step away for the 2026 season, allowing him time to reset and evaluate future opportunities before returning to the sideline.

Sean McDermott is "likely" to take a year off from coaching, per @RapSheet. pic.twitter.com/XLdRlxLCYj
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) January 25, 2026

McDermott’s decision to potentially sit out a year makes sense in the context of a crowded 2026 coaching carousel: he joins a list of high-profile exits that includes the Baltimore Ravens ’ John Harbaugh and Pittsburgh Steelers ’ Mike Tomlin. McDermott’s Bills tenure was one of the longest in the league prior to his firing, and at 51 years old, McDermott is widely expected to remain a strong candidate in future coaching cycles considering his reputation.

During his time with the organization, McDermott was instrumental in developing Allen into one of the league’s elite quarterbacks and establishing a consistent identity that kept Buffalo among the AFC’s top teams. A season away could position him to be selective about his next opportunity, especially if a team closer to readiness opens a vacancy.

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

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