Overview
- Buffalo fired McDermott two days after a 33-30 overtime divisional loss to Denver, ending his nine-year run at 98-50 in the regular season and 8-8 in the playoffs.
- Owner Terry Pegula kept Brandon Beane in place and added the president of football operations title, tasking him with leading the head-coach search.
- ESPN reported Josh Allen had a “certain awareness” of the decision and is expected to have input in selecting the next coach.
- Tom Pelissero said coaching candidates will “race” to interview in Buffalo, reflecting broad belief that this is the cycle’s most attractive opening.
- Early media-linked options include OC Joe Brady, former OC Brian Daboll and Broncos assistant Davis Webb, with other names such as Mike Tomlin and Rams DC Chris Shula also floated, as players voiced surprise and McDermott issued a farewell.