In a stunning turn of events, the Buffalo Bills have fired head coach Sean McDermott, according to multiple national reports. The Bills were eliminated from the postseason on Saturday in controversial fashion, losing a heartbreaker 33-30 to the Denver Broncos in an overtime game that featured questionable calls in the eyes of some.
McDermott defended Buffalo valiantly, but has now been dismissed from his post.
The Bills fired Sean McDermott, sources tell The Insiders. pic.twitter.com/aW8Qhy9UnV
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 19, 2026
McDermott won 106 games throughout his nine seasons in Buffalo. McDermott failed to advance to a Super Bowl, however, and that's been the Bills' annual goal since 2020. McDermott compiled an 8-8 record throughout the playoffs, and the latest postseason shortcoming has influenced general manager Brandon Beane to make a stunning change.
The Bills’ opening represents the 10th head coaching vacancy this cycle, though two have already been filled. The Bills immediately join the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers as the top remaining openings, though Josh Allen's presence should make them the most coveted job. We've identified three potential head coaching candidates for the Bills.
Jesse Minter, Chargers DC
Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has technically been the most popular head coaching candidate in the NFL this cycle. All in all, Minter has received a league-high eight interview requests. Despite the demand, it's been difficult to pinpoint the ideal landing spot for him.
Minter had requests from the Giants and Falcons, who have since hired John Harbaugh and Kevin Stefanski. He interviewed with the Titans, but isn't a finalist in Tennessee. The Browns and Raiders seem to be focusing on young offensive minds, and the Cardinals and Dolphins aren't exactly desirable jobs. With the Chargers already eliminated from the playoffs, the Bills would be eligible to interview Minter in person this week.
Brian Daboll, former Giants HC
If the Bills prefer a stark departure from McDermott, they'll focus on appointing an offensive-minded head coach. Ensuring Allen maintains his elite level of success should be a focal point of Beane's head coaching search. Could that make former Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll a candidate to return to Buffalo?
Daboll was fired by the Giants midseason, but he's still receiving interest around the league. He interviewed for the Titans' head coaching job and will have multiple suitors if he wants to be an offensive coordinator next season. As Buffalo's OC from 2018-21, he was a key figure in Allen's formative years when there was still doubt that he'd ever develop into a franchise quarterback.
Davis Webb, Broncos QB coach
If Buffalo's hire intends to focus on pleasing Allen by prioritizing the offense, Beane shouldn't be afraid to get creative. There are fewer offensive-minded coaches available this cycle due to the hiring blitz on that side in recent years. Denver Broncos quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator Davis Webb would be the best, most creative candidate.
Webb has already interviewed for the Ravens and Raiders vacancies. The 30-year-old is described as an offensive genius and has climbed the coaching ranks rapidly under Sean Payton in Denver. The Bills missed the window to interview Webb, so they'd have to wait until the Broncos are eliminated from the playoffs. He played quarterback at Texas Tech under the brilliant minds of Kliff Kingsbury and Eric Morris, and was a Bills backup for three seasons. Those ties should make him a candidate.