Although Sean McDermott knows he won’t be on the sidelines during the 2026 NFL season, the former Buffalo Bills head coach made it clear his NFL coaching career is far from over. After nine years leading Buffalo, the 52-year-old believes he still has plenty to offer the league.
In a recent interview, the Omaha native said that while he’s ready to embrace this year off and focus on his family, he already misses the rhythm of professional football.
“Absolutely, I love coaching,” McDermott said on ESPN. “[I miss] being part of something bigger. Being part of a team. We’ve all been part of teams since we were [young], and you get a chance to do that for a job. Now you’re in a year, for myself, where it’s a year off. But it’s also a year of opportunity to grow and lean in on my family. I think more than anything, it’s just being part of a team.”
A track record built on success
McDermott has been a steady presence in the NFL since 2001, when he began under Andy Reid with the Philadelphia Eagles. Before his successful tenure in Buffalo, he spent six seasons as defensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers.
Despite being fired in January 2026, his résumé makes him one of the most attractive NFL head coach candidates for the 2027 hiring cycle. McDermott turned the Bills into a consistent contender, achieving:
- Seven consecutive 10-win seasons
- Five AFC East titles
- Two AFC Championship Game appearances
While his dismissal stemmed from failing to reach the Super Bowl, he is widely credited with restoring a winning culture in Buffalo. For any franchise seeking stability and winning results, McDermott will undoubtedly be at the top of the list next offseason.
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