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Bills Owner Terry Pegula Fired Coach Sean McDermott, GM Brandon Beane Reveals
Beane says Pegula made the decision to part ways with McDermott after 9 seasons as head coach.
Feb. 27, 2026 at 7:23pm
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In an interview at the NFL Scouting Combine, Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane revealed that the decision to fire head coach Sean McDermott was made solely by team owner Terry Pegula. Beane, who was recently promoted to President of Football Operations, said Pegula felt the team needed "something new" and "something fresh" after McDermott led the Bills to an 8-8 record and no playoff appearances last season.
Why it matters
The firing of a successful head coach like McDermott, who had a 106-64 record in 9 seasons with the Bills, is a significant move that signals the team's ownership is not satisfied with the team's recent performance and is seeking a new direction.
The details
Beane said the decision to part ways with McDermott was "ultimately Terry Pegula's and his alone." He alluded to the "proverbial playoff wall" that the team had hit under McDermott, who failed to lead the Bills to the Super Bowl despite making the playoffs 4 times. The Bills have since promoted offensive coordinator Joe Brady to be the new head coach, giving him his first opportunity as a head coach in the NFL.
- On February 27, 2026, Brandon Beane revealed the details behind Sean McDermott's firing during an interview at the NFL Scouting Combine.
- Sean McDermott was fired as head coach of the Buffalo Bills in January 2026 after 9 seasons with the team.
The players
Terry Pegula
The owner of the Buffalo Bills, who made the decision to fire head coach Sean McDermott.
Brandon Beane
The general manager of the Buffalo Bills, who was recently promoted to President of Football Operations and revealed the details behind McDermott's firing.
Sean McDermott
The former head coach of the Buffalo Bills, who was fired after 9 seasons with the team despite leading them to a 106-64 record and 4 playoff appearances.
Joe Brady
The new head coach of the Buffalo Bills, promoted from offensive coordinator to replace the fired Sean McDermott.
What they’re saying
“That decision was ultimately Terry Pegula's and his alone.”
— Brandon Beane, General Manager, Buffalo Bills
“I think he just felt like we need something new, we need something fresh.”
— Brandon Beane, General Manager, Buffalo Bills
What’s next
The Bills will now look to Joe Brady to lead the team in a new direction after the departure of the successful but ultimately underperforming Sean McDermott.
The takeaway
The firing of a long-tenured and successful head coach like Sean McDermott shows that even the most stable franchises are not immune to ownership making bold moves in search of a championship. The Bills are betting that a fresh voice in Joe Brady can get them over the "proverbial playoff wall" that McDermott could not.
