Sean McDermott makes dramatic decision over his NFL future days after Buffalo Bills fired him

Sean McDermott reportedly told his staff that he would return to coaching right away in the aftermath of his shocking firing by the Buffalo Bills last week. But now, it looks like things have changed.

The Bills sent shockwaves around the NFL when owner Terry Pegula got rid of McDermott last Monday after the team lost in the playoffs to the Denver Broncos, ending his nine-season run in Buffalo. On Tuesday, they announced Joe Brady as McDermott’s successor.

With an array of jobs available at the time of McDermott’s exit, he would have had his pick of options to return at the first available opportunity. But after having some time to consider what’s next, he’s likely going to step back for a year.

Speaking on NFL Network, NFL Insider Ian Rapoport said: ‘McDermott, no doubt, would be one of the top candidates for basically any job around if he wanted to take one.

‘It remains unclear what Sean McDermott will firmly decide to do but to my knowledge, has not engaged on any of these openings. And based on the conversations he’s had and the people he’s talked with who have taken a year off after a long head coaching stint, all have said it was beneficial and worth it.

‘We shall see if that is the way McDermott goes but I believe it is likely that he ends up taking a year off.’

As of Tuesday morning, the head coaching jobs available outside of the Bills are at the Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns.

The Raiders could have appealed to McDermott – they hold the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft later this year and while there is big rebuild ahead for whoever replaces former head coach Pete Carroll, there is also an opportunity to build a team from the beginning.

But like Rapoport said, the 51-year-old McDermott has not yet interviewed for any available vacancy and all the signs suggest he will take the time away. 

The Bills, meanwhile, weren’t having the easiest time finding a replacement for McDermott before they announced Brady on Tuesday, on a five-year contract.

Mike McDaniel canceled a second interview with the organization before confirming his new position as offensive coordinator at the Los Angeles Chargers.

They also interviewed Philip Rivers, who left a good impression before informing the Bills that he’s not yet ready to become a head coach in the NFL.

Brady, who was the Bills offensive coordinator, had also spoken twice with the Raiders about their vacancy.

Former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll was also in the running at the Bills, alongside Indianapolis Colts DC Lou Anarumo, Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver and Washington Commanders run game coordinator Anthony Lynn.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who was in tears after the Broncos loss, has been involved in the process to find a new head coach. 

As well as McDermott’s successor landing the chance to lead Allen into the next stage of his career and, the Bills hope, finally get him that Super Bowl, Brady will also take over at a time when the team is about to open their new stadium.

The 2026 season will see the Bills leave their current Highmark venue and play at a new $2.2billion stadium.