After Bills Fire Sean McDermott, Who Are The Best Options To Get Them Playoff Success?

After a heartbreaking playoff exit, the Buffalo Bills have fired their head coach, Sean McDermott.

McDermott was hired in 2017 along with general manager Brandon Beane. The duo looked to revamp a long-dormant franchise. In 2017, they made the playoffs, breaking a 17-year playoff drought.

Beane drafted Josh Allen in the following draft. After a development year for Allen in 2018, the Bills have made the playoffs every year since 2019. This gives them the longest playoff streak in the NFL. 

McDermott was hired as an assistant head coach by the Eagles in 2001. He spent the next few years climbing up the ranks until he became the defensive coordinator in 2009. The Eagles let him go after the 2010 season, but he was picked up by the Panthers the following offseason to serve as their defensive coordinator.

The highlight of McDermott’s time in Carolina was the 2015 season. The team went 15-1 and reached the Super Bowl. Of course, Cam Newton’s MVP performance was a big reason why. However, McDermott led the Panthers to the sixth-ranked defense. 

In many ways, the Bills got everything they could’ve asked for out of McDermott. He turned a losing franchise into a winning franchise. However, the playoff losses started adding up, and the front office decided it was time for a change. 

Almost any coach would dream of being able to join the Bills. They have a winning culture that’s only bettered by the Chiefs. The changes needed are small. Mike Tomlin would be one of the most notable options. Tomlin and McDermott were teammates at William & Mary. Another option could be Brian Daboll. Daboll was the Bills’ former offensive coordinator and has drawn interest from many teams as a head coach. Perhaps a more offense-minded coach could make a difference in the playoffs.