Here’s the latest overview on Sean McDermott, based on recent reporting up to May 2026.
Key developments
- McDermott was fired by the Buffalo Bills after nine seasons, following a playoff loss to the Denver Broncos. This marked the end of his tenure as Bills head coach and kicked off the NFL coaching “carousel” for potential openings.[5]
- In the weeks after his dismissal, reports indicated McDermott was unlikely to pursue immediate NFL head coaching opportunities and was considering taking a year off from coaching to recharge and reassess, per NFL Network insiders. NBC Sports and other outlets echoed a similar sentiment, noting he had not engaged with current openings and was weighing whether a sabbatical would be beneficial.[1][4][7]
- Multiple outlets highlighted that, even if he wanted a top job, his name would be among the first considered by any team due to his track record, but there was no firm commitment on whether he would return to coaching in 2026.[1][5]
Context and implications
- The Bills’ decision came after a decade of McDermott leadership and postseason struggles, with owner statements acknowledging his impact while signaling a need for leadership changes to push the franchise to the next level.[5]
- If McDermott takes a year off, the 2026 coaching cycle could see him re-emerge later, potentially as a candidate for head coaching roles or front-office advisory positions, depending on the league’s openings and his own preferences.[4][1]
What to watch next
- Any official announcements from McDermott about a return to coaching or a continued sabbatical.
- Developments in other teams’ head coaching searches that might entice McDermott back into the market.
- How the Bills approach their coaching staff and quarterback development in the interim, including any internal promotions or organizational restructuring.
Illustration (example)
- If you’d like, I can create a simple timeline graphic showing the sequence: Bills’ playoff loss → McDermott firing → early reports of sabbatical → later signals of possible return or continued pause. I can generate a PNG timeline to visualize this.
Would you like me to pull a current, verifiable timeline image or summarize the latest quotes from NFL insiders in a concise bullet list? I can also tailor the update to what matters most to you (Predictions for 2026 coaching cycle, implications for Bills, or McDermott’s potential future roles).
Citations
- McDermott fired after nine seasons with Bills; potential openings noted.[5]
- Reports McDermott unlikely to seek immediate openings; possible year off.[1]
- Additional context and coaching carousel discussion from NBC Sports and related outlets.[7][4]
Sources
Get all the most recent Sean McDermott player news, headlines, injury updates, transactions, and more on NBC Sports.
www.nbcsports.comAfter being fired by the Buffalo Bills following last week's heartbreaking playoff loss to the Denver Broncos, former head coach Sean McDermott was expected to be a top candidate for other openings this hiring cycle.
bleacherreport.comSean McDermott player info, news, stats, game logs, videos, fantasy, and more on NBC Sports.
www.nbcsports.comThe Buffalo Bills fired head coach Sean McDermott following nine years helming the team, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported.
www.nfl.comSean McDermott on TMZ, your go-to source for celebrity news, photos, & videos. Latest Story: Buffalo Bills Promote OC Joe Brady to Head Coach, Succeeding McDermott
www.tmz.com