Bills Fire Coach McDermott After Nine Seasons, Promote Beane to President

The Buffalo Bills fired head coach Sean McDermott on Monday, ending his nine-year run with the team. The move came two days after a 33-30 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the divisional round of the playoffs. Owner Terry Pegula also promoted general manager Brandon Beane to president of football operations as part of a new leadership structure aimed at pushing the team closer to a Super Bowl.

Background

Sean McDermott took over as Bills head coach in 2017, coming from a role as defensive coordinator with the Carolina Panthers. Before that, he spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles, starting on Andy Reid's staff in 1999 and rising to defensive coordinator until 2010. In Buffalo, he worked alongside Brandon Beane, who joined as general manager in May 2017. Together, they turned the Bills into a steady winner.

Under McDermott, the Bills made the playoffs seven years in a row, a team record. They won the AFC East for five straight seasons before finishing second this year behind the New England Patriots with a 12-5 regular-season record. The team became the first in NFL history to win a playoff game six years straight without reaching the Super Bowl. McDermott finished with a 98-50 regular-season mark, second in team history to Marv Levy's 112 wins over 11 seasons. In playoffs, his record stood at 8-8.

Despite the success, the Bills fell short in big moments. They reached the AFC Championship twice, losing both to Kansas City. Josh Allen, the quarterback drafted in 2018, broke many of Jim Kelly's passing records, but the team never got past the Chiefs in those title games. Buffalo's last three playoff losses, including the one to Denver, came by three points each. Three of McDermott's playoff defeats went to overtime.

The Broncos game highlighted the frustrations. Allen threw two interceptions and lost two fumbles, including one before halftime when the Bills tried a deep shot instead of running out the clock. Denver turned it into a field goal for a 20-10 lead. In overtime, a deep pass to Brandin Cooks ended with an interception call after Ja'Quan McMillian wrestled the ball away. McDermott questioned the quick review by officials.

Key Details

Pegula made the announcement Monday in Orchard Park, New York. He praised McDermott's role in changing the team's culture and making it a regular playoff contender.

“Sean helped change the mindset of this organization and was instrumental in the Bills becoming a perennial playoff team,” Pegula said. “But I feel we are in need of a new structure within our leadership to give this organization the best opportunity to take our team to the next level. We owe that to our players and to Bills Mafia.”

Beane, now in his ninth season, will oversee the coaching search. At 49, he takes full control of the football side, reporting directly to Pegula. Previously, McDermott reported straight to the owner. Beane has faced some criticism for draft picks and free agents not panning out around Allen, but Pegula showed trust by giving him the promotion.

Player Reactions

Not everyone agreed with the firing. Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips posted on Instagram Story that it was "so stupid honestly sickening" and called McDermott the best coach he had been around. Defensive back Taron Johnson shared "smh" on his story. An unnamed player told local reporters the decision was "bull—-." McDermott plans to keep coaching and has told his staff.

This marks the 10th head coaching change in the NFL this offseason. Others include John Harbaugh from Baltimore, now with the New York Giants, and Mike Tomlin from Pittsburgh. The Giants and Atlanta Falcons have already hired replacements, leaving seven openings.

McDermott's regular-season dominance included seven straight years of 10 or more wins, with 13-win seasons in 2022 and 2024 matching team records. The Bills won playoff rounds in six straight years, but close losses defined the run. The 2021 divisional loss to Kansas City, known as "13 seconds," saw Patrick Mahomes lead a game-tying drive at the end of regulation.

What This Means

The change puts more pressure on Beane to deliver. With full control, he can shape the roster and pick a coach that fits his plan. The Bills now enter their first coaching search since replacing Rex Ryan after two seasons in 2016. Stability defined the McDermott-Beane era, but the lack of a Super Bowl pushed Pegula to act.

Josh Allen remains the cornerstone. At 25, he has led the offense to new heights, but turnovers in key games hurt. The defense, once a McDermott strength from his coordinator days, needs to step up too. Beane's promotion signals long-term faith, but another short playoff run could turn eyes on him next.

Fans in Buffalo, known as Bills Mafia, have waited decades for a championship. The team last reached the Super Bowl in the early 1990s under Levy, losing four straight. This move aims to break that drought. The coaching search starts now, with Beane leading it amid a busy NFL market.

Buffalo's roster stays strong on paper. They return core players on both sides. Free agency and the draft offer chances to add pieces. The AFC East looks competitive, with New England rising and others rebuilding. Pegula wants a structure that gets the Bills over the hump.

McDermott leaves with respect from many. His work built a winner, even if the ultimate prize slipped away. Players showed loyalty in reactions. The franchise moves on, betting on Beane to find the right next leader.