The Buffalo Bills have parted ways with head coach Sean McDermott, the team announced on Monday, January 19, 2026. The move comes just two days after a controversial and heartbreaking overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the NFL divisional playoff round.
End of an Era in Buffalo
Sean McDermott's dismissal concludes a nine-season run at the helm of the Bills. During his tenure, which began in 2017, McDermott compiled an impressive regular-season record of 98-50, a winning percentage of .662 that ranks 15th in NFL history. He was instrumental in the development of franchise quarterback Josh Allen and guided the team to eight playoff appearances.
Despite regular-season dominance, including five consecutive AFC East titles from 2020 to 2024, the Bills consistently fell short of the ultimate goal: a Super Bowl appearance. Under McDermott, the team's playoff record included two losses in the AFC Championship game, four in the divisional round, and two in the wild-card round.
The Controversial Final Game
The decision to fire McDermott followed a dramatic and disputed 2026 playoff exit. After a wild-card victory in Jacksonville, the Bills faced the Broncos in Denver. The game went to overtime, where a critical play sealed Buffalo's fate.
Josh Allen launched a deep pass to receiver Brandin Cooks, which was ruled an interception after a Denver defender wrestled the ball away. Many observers, including fans and analysts, argued the play should have been ruled a catch and fumble by Cooks, which would have placed the Bills in field-goal range for a potential game-winning score.
Instead, the Broncos capitalized on the turnover, aided by a couple of pass interference penalties, and drove down the field to kick the winning score, ending Buffalo's season.
What Comes Next for the Bills?
Reports indicate that General Manager Brandon Beane will remain with the organization and will lead the search for the Bills' next head coach. McDermott becomes the ninth NFL head coach to be fired or depart this offseason, joining a list of notable names like John Harbaugh (Baltimore Ravens), Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh Steelers), Kevin Stefanski (Cleveland Browns), and Mike McDaniel (Miami Dolphins).
Harbaugh has already been hired by the New York Giants, while Stefanski is reportedly headed to the Atlanta Falcons, indicating a competitive market for proven coaching talent.
Prior to his head coaching role in Buffalo, Sean McDermott served as the defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers (2011-2016) and the Philadelphia Eagles (2009-2010). His departure marks the end of a significant chapter for a Bills franchise that returned to perennial contention under his leadership but ultimately could not break through to the league's final stage.
