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Sean McDermott’s future in the NFL is suddenly a topic of wide debate. After nine seasons leading the Buffalo Bills, the veteran coach is weighing whether to jump right back into the hunt for a job or step away for a season to reset and regroup.
What McDermott built in Buffalo and why teams will notice
McDermott took over the Bills prior to the 2017 campaign and turned them into a perennial contender. His tenure produced a strong regular-season mark and consistent playoff berths. Still, a trip beyond the AFC Championship Game eluded the franchise.
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- Tenure: nine seasons as Buffalo’s head coach.
- Regular-season success: a winning record that made the Bills a fixture in the postseason.
- Postseason ceiling: the club never reached the Super Bowl under his leadership.
That résumé keeps McDermott near the top of any list when franchises search for experienced leaders. His reputation for steady team building and playoff preparation makes him attractive to teams looking for a quick turnaround.
Why a sabbatical is on the table
Insiders indicate McDermott has heard from peers who took a year away from coaching and found it valuable. Rest, reflection and perspective are common reasons head coaches choose a break after long, intense runs.
Taking one season off could allow McDermott to recharge, update his approach and carefully evaluate future fits. That pause can also create distance from recent results, giving both coach and hiring teams clearer assessments.
Common benefits of stepping back
- Time to study evolving offensive and defensive trends.
- Opportunity to retool a coaching tree and staff preferences.
- Personal recovery and family time after years of grind.
- Strategic patience to wait for a franchise that matches philosophy.
Clubs likely to consider McDermott and market outlook
Several teams that remain in the market for a head coach would view McDermott as a top candidate. Names repeatedly connected to openings include the Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders.
- Arizona Cardinals: a young roster and quarterback question make veteran direction appealing.
- Cleveland Browns: continuity and postseason expectations could align with McDermott’s profile.
- Las Vegas Raiders: a franchise seeking culture and stability might prize an experienced leader.
Even if he declines immediate opportunities, he will remain linked to openings until he signs elsewhere. Teams will likely continue to court him while evaluating other options.
How McDermott’s decision could reshape coaching searches
If McDermott opts to sit out 2026, it would change the calculus for teams pursuing him. Some organizations may pivot to younger, more offensive-minded candidates. Others might wait, betting that a proven leader will be available the following cycle.
Patience could be his strategy. Remaining a free agent gives him leverage and time to pick the right environment for his next tenure.
Timing, interviews and next moves to watch
The NFL hiring window typically heats up in late winter and early spring. If McDermott engages with teams, conversations and interviews would likely occur during that stretch. Sources familiar with the situation say he has not yet jumped into talks.
- Key timeframe: late winter through spring for interviews and final hires.
- Signals to watch: preliminary calls with general managers and requests for interviews.
- Public indicators: media reports, agent movement and official team announcements.
Reports from NFL Network correspondent Ian Rapoport suggest the probability leans toward McDermott taking a season off. Whether he follows that path or re-enters the market quickly will shape the coaching landscape in the months ahead.
