Former Bills Coach McDermott Reflects on Firing, Looks Ahead

Sean McDermott opens up about his departure from Buffalo and plans for the future.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:41am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented, geometric football scene, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange overlapping to create a sense of motion and energy.McDermott's departure from the Bills leaves an abstract impression, but his future remains full of possibility.Indianapolis Today

Former Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott has spoken publicly for the first time since being fired in mid-January. McDermott reflected on his successful nine-year tenure with the Bills, which included eight playoff appearances, five division titles, and two AFC Championship Game appearances. Despite the abrupt end to his time in Buffalo, McDermott expressed gratitude for the opportunity and said he is focused on using his 'gap year' to prepare for potential coaching jobs that may open up in 2027.

Why it matters

McDermott's comments provide insight into how he is handling his dismissal from the Bills and his plans for the future. As a highly successful NFL head coach, his next move will be closely watched, with several high-profile jobs potentially becoming available in 2027.

The details

McDermott revealed that his family has moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, and he is spending his time away from football preparing for his next opportunity and watching his daughter finish her senior softball season before she leaves for Notre Dame. He does not seem bitter about his exit from the Bills, instead reflecting on the team's success during his tenure and the strong relationships he built with general manager Brandon Beane and team owner Terry Pegula.

  • McDermott was fired as head coach of the Buffalo Bills in mid-January 2026.
  • McDermott's daughter will be leaving for Notre Dame next year.

The players

Sean McDermott

The former head coach of the Buffalo Bills, who was fired in mid-January 2026 after leading the team to eight playoff appearances, five division titles, and two AFC Championship Game appearances during his nine-year tenure.

Brandon Beane

The general manager of the Buffalo Bills, who worked closely with McDermott during his time as head coach.

Terry Pegula

The owner of the Buffalo Bills, who hired McDermott as head coach in 2017.

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What they’re saying

“'You know, sometimes when one door closes, another one opens, also, right? How many head coaches are able to do it for nine years and really take something, get it turned around, build a culture, break a 17-year playoff drought in the first season, and then go to the playoffs eight out of nine years?'”

— Sean McDermott, Former Buffalo Bills Head Coach

What’s next

McDermott is focused on using his 'gap year' to prepare for potential coaching opportunities that may become available in 2027, with several high-profile NFL jobs potentially opening up depending on next year's results.

The takeaway

Despite his abrupt departure from the Buffalo Bills, Sean McDermott remains positive about his successful tenure with the team and is looking ahead to his next coaching opportunity. His willingness to take a year off to recharge and prepare suggests he is confident in his abilities and believes he will be a sought-after candidate when the coaching carousel spins again in 2027.