Sean McDermott Taking Unusual Approach To NFL Return
Unlike many other NFL head coaches who got fired this cycle, Sean McDermott is not attempting to go directly back into coaching. So what's he doing to pass the time?
In an interview with The Athletic's Mike Jones, McDermott revealed that he's been working on self-improvement and learning more about coaching. He explained that he's attending conferences and speaking with people about the finer aspects of coaching and leadership.
"I could go visit people I know, but I already know what they're about and what they believe in," McDermott said. "But [I'm] visiting some people that do things a little bit different than maybe I've done... It's this guy that seems to have had success, or this gal's had success and their personalities may be a little bit different than mine. So, I'd like to get in on the ground floor and just see how they handle the day in and day out and how it translates to the NFL. I don't think it's healthy to stop just in sports, but to talk to people in the corporate world, those that are high-level performers, even though it doesn't directly overlap, there's correlation... I think going outside of football is healthy and productive and powerful."
McDermott in Buffalo
McDermott oversaw one of the most successful eras in modern Buffalo Bills history since the early-90s after becoming head coach in 2017. Hired to rebuild a franchise that had missed the playoffs for 17 straight seasons, McDermott immediately changed the culture and led Buffalo to a postseason berth in his first year.
With general manager Brandon Beane, he soon helped construct a strong roster highlighted by quarterback Josh Allen, turning the Bills into a perennial contender. Under McDermott, Buffalo won multiple AFC East titles, consistently posted double-digit win seasons, and reached the AFC Championship Game during the 2020 season.
But for all of McDermott's success, which included a 98-50 record plus eight playoff appearances in nine years, he could never get the team to the Super Bowl.
Several playoff losses to the Kansas City Chiefs became especially painful, fueling questions about late-game management and whether Buffalo could break through under his leadership.
The Bills ultimately parted ways with him after yet another playoff loss in 2025.
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This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 4:47 PM.