Bills GM Defends Firing Sean McDermott, Promoting Joe Brady

Brandon Beane says the team's decision is about "the right selection" for the team, not appeasing outside critics.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 7:47am

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Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane defended the team's decision to fire head coach Sean McDermott and promote offensive coordinator Joe Brady to the top job. Beane said the move is about finding "the right selection" for the team, not appeasing outside critics, and that if he's wrong, "the moving company will be at my house."

Why it matters

The Bills' decision to part ways with the successful McDermott and hand the reins to the relatively inexperienced Brady has raised eyebrows around the NFL. Beane's defiant response suggests the team is confident in its choice and willing to stand by it, even if it faces criticism from fans and media.

The details

Beane said the team's decision to promote Brady was based on his "overall vision for the team" and the belief that he can help the Bills "embrace the expectations that wound up costing Sean McDermott the job." The GM also dismissed concerns about a potential Super Bowl mandate for Brady, saying the new head coach won't have that kind of pressure hovering over him.

  • The Bills fired head coach Sean McDermott in January 2026.
  • The Bills promoted offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach in January 2026.

The players

Brandon Beane

The Buffalo Bills' general manager and president of football operations.

Sean McDermott

The former head coach of the Buffalo Bills, who was fired in January 2026.

Joe Brady

The new head coach of the Buffalo Bills, promoted from offensive coordinator in January 2026.

Terry Pegula

The owner of the Buffalo Bills, who made the decision to fire Sean McDermott and promote Joe Brady.

Josh Allen

The Buffalo Bills' quarterback, who played under Sean McDermott from 2018 to 2025.

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What they’re saying

“[Expletive] the outside. It's about the right selection for this team. And if we win, they'll love it. It's the same thing I said when I took Josh Allen. If I'm wrong, the moving company will be at my house. So, I understand. And I'm not going to have regret of choosing someone to appease the outside if I thought it should have been something different. If I'm wrong, I'll [expletive] take my job and [expletive] go home.”

— Brandon Beane, Bills GM and President of Football Operations (Go Long)

“I don't want to be wrong — see him go somewhere else — when my gut told me it was Joe Brady. I'm never going to do that. I would love for everyone to cheer every move, but it's not about winning the press conference. It's about winning games over there.”

— Brandon Beane, Bills GM and President of Football Operations (Go Long)

What’s next

The Bills will begin the 2026 NFL season under new head coach Joe Brady, as they look to build on their recent success and make a Super Bowl run.

The takeaway

The Bills' decision to part ways with the successful Sean McDermott and hand the reins to the relatively inexperienced Joe Brady has raised eyebrows, but GM Brandon Beane is standing firm, saying the move is about finding the right fit for the team, not appeasing outside critics. The team's confidence in Brady will be put to the test as he takes over a talented roster with high expectations.