Several Bills Players Reportedly Furious With Coaching Decision

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jan 20, 2026 2:38 PM ET

The Buffalo Bills might have to repair their locker room if they want to be Super Bowl contenders in 2026.

Less than 48 hours after suffering a 33-30 loss to the Denver Broncos in overtime of the AFC divisional round, Buffalo fired longtime head coach Sean McDermott. He had a 98-50 regular-season record with the Bills from 2017-2025. Although he constantly reached the playoffs, he was unable to make the Super Bowl.

"Sean has done an admirable job of leading our football team for the past 9 seasons," Bills owner Terry Pegula said in a statement. "But I feel we are in need of a new structure within our leadership to give this organization the best opportunity to take our team to the next level. We owe that to our players and to Bills Mafia."

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said McDermott had some concern about Buffalo's roster, and yet, general manager Brandon Beane received a promotion.

"My understanding is McDermott himself had some questions about how much talent the Bills had," Rapoport said. "I’m not sure that sat well in the building. The Bills wanted a new leader."

While it hasn't been confirmed by multiple insiders, Greg Gabriel claims the "majority of Bills players" are livid with the Pegula family's decision to fire McDermott.

Dec 28, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott looks on during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images© Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Who'll replace McDermott?

The Bills could go with an internal hire and promote Joe Brady to head coach. He's definitely had a great run as the team's offensive coordinator.

If the Bills want to go with an unproven option, they could target Davis Webb. The former NFL gunslinger is currently the quarterbacks coach for the Denver Broncos. He'd be a risky hire in Buffalo, but the potential there could be limitless.

Last but certainly not least, Buffalo could reunite with Brian Daboll. It's no secret that he had a tremendous working relationship with Josh Allen. Maybe, just maybe, the western New York native will return to the Bills.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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