Posted on Jan 19

Bills fire McDermott after playoff exit; Beane to lead coaching search

Posted Jan 19, 2026

The Buffalo Bills have parted ways with head coach Sean McDermott following another disappointing playoff exit, marking a significant shift in the franchise's leadership.

Why it matters: McDermott's dismissal signals the Bills' urgent need to transition from perennial playoff contenders to Super Bowl champions.

His tenure saw the team reach the playoffs five consecutive times and secure multiple AFC East titles, yet they consistently fell short of the ultimate goal.
With quarterbacks like Josh Allen having the most playoff wins without a Super Bowl appearance, the pressure is mounting for change.

What’s new: The Bills announced on Monday that McDermott has been let go after an overall record of 98-50, including an 8-8 postseason mark.

This decision follows their narrow 33-30 loss to the Denver Broncos in the AFC divisional round, which marked the fourth time in five seasons the team exited at this stage.
General Manager Brandon Beane will remain with the organization and assist in searching for McDermott's successor.

By the numbers: The Bills hold the unfortunate distinction of having the most wins in a seven-season span (91) without a Super Bowl appearance.

Despite strong regular-season performances, their repeated inability to advance beyond the divisional round raises questions about the team's direction.

Yes, but: While McDermott's strategy led to success in the regular season, critics point out his failure to adapt in critical postseason moments.

The defense, once a hallmark of McDermott’s coaching style, faltered in key situations, notably during the last playoff game against the Broncos.
Additionally, the Bills finished second in the AFC East behind the New England Patriots this season, indicating a decline relative to their division rivals.

What’s next: The Bills will now embark on a crucial search for a new head coach.

The process will be closely watched, especially given that seven other NFL teams also have vacancies, including Miami and Tennessee.
Candidates will need to embrace a modern offensive approach while maximizing the talents of Josh Allen and revitalizing a playoff-caliber roster.

The bottom line: The Bills are at a crossroads, and the decision to part ways with McDermott serves as both a reflection of past disappointments and an opportunity for renewal.

As the franchise looks ahead, the challenge will be to find a leader who can finally bring the elusive Super Bowl trophy to Buffalo, ending a decades-long quest that has seen them fall short four times between 1990 and 1993.

Bills fire McDermott after playoff exit; Beane to lead coaching search

Alex Parker

Posted Jan 19, 2026

The Buffalo Bills have parted ways with head coach Sean McDermott following another disappointing playoff exit, marking a significant shift in the franchise's leadership.

Why it matters: McDermott's dismissal signals the Bills' urgent need to transition from perennial playoff contenders to Super Bowl champions.

His tenure saw the team reach the playoffs five consecutive times and secure multiple AFC East titles, yet they consistently fell short of the ultimate goal.

With quarterbacks like Josh Allen having the most playoff wins without a Super Bowl appearance, the pressure is mounting for change.

What’s new: The Bills announced on Monday that McDermott has been let go after an overall record of 98-50, including an 8-8 postseason mark.

This decision follows their narrow 33-30 loss to the Denver Broncos in the AFC divisional round, which marked the fourth time in five seasons the team exited at this stage.

General Manager Brandon Beane will remain with the organization and assist in searching for McDermott's successor.

By the numbers: The Bills hold the unfortunate distinction of having the most wins in a seven-season span (91) without a Super Bowl appearance.

Despite strong regular-season performances, their repeated inability to advance beyond the divisional round raises questions about the team's direction.

Yes, but: While McDermott's strategy led to success in the regular season, critics point out his failure to adapt in critical postseason moments.

The defense, once a hallmark of McDermott’s coaching style, faltered in key situations, notably during the last playoff game against the Broncos.

Additionally, the Bills finished second in the AFC East behind the New England Patriots this season, indicating a decline relative to their division rivals.

What’s next: The Bills will now embark on a crucial search for a new head coach.

The process will be closely watched, especially given that seven other NFL teams also have vacancies, including Miami and Tennessee.

Candidates will need to embrace a modern offensive approach while maximizing the talents of Josh Allen and revitalizing a playoff-caliber roster.

The bottom line: The Bills are at a crossroads, and the decision to part ways with McDermott serves as both a reflection of past disappointments and an opportunity for renewal.

As the franchise looks ahead, the challenge will be to find a leader who can finally bring the elusive Super Bowl trophy to Buffalo, ending a decades-long quest that has seen them fall short four times between 1990 and 1993.