Key Takeaways:
- Sean McDermott has been fired as the Buffalo Bills coach after nine seasons
- The team is looking for a new coach for the first time since 2017
- Potential coaching candidates include Joe Brady, Davis Webb, Nate Scheelhaase, Klint Kubiak, Brian Daboll, Chris Shula, Jesse Minter, and Brian Flores
- The Bills may consider a defensive-minded coach to complement their explosive offense
- Mike Tomlin is unlikely to be a target due to his decision to take a year off from coaching and his contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers
Introduction to the Coaching Search
The Buffalo Bills have parted ways with head coach Sean McDermott after nine seasons, and the search for his replacement is underway. McDermott had a successful tenure with the Bills, posting a 98-50 record and leading the team to at least 10 wins in each of his final seven seasons. However, the team’s inability to advance to the Super Bowl, including a disappointing loss to the Denver Broncos in the divisional round of the 2025 playoffs, ultimately led to his departure. The Bills will now look to find a new coach who can take the team to the next level and capitalize on the talent of quarterback Josh Allen.
Potential Coaching Candidates
The Bills have a number of potential coaching candidates to consider, including internal options like Joe Brady, the team’s current offensive coordinator. Brady has drawn interest from other teams in the past and has a proven track record of getting the most out of elite-level quarterbacks, including Allen. Other potential candidates include Davis Webb, the Denver Broncos’ passing game coordinator, who has experience working with quarterbacks and has impressed in his current role. Nate Scheelhaase, the Los Angeles Rams’ passing game coordinator, is another young, offensive-minded coach who could be a good fit for the Bills.
More Coaching Candidates
Klint Kubiak, the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator, is a more experienced play-caller who could be a good option for the Bills. He has found success in his current role, leading the Seahawks to the NFC championship game, and has a track record of getting the most out of quarterbacks. Brian Daboll, the former New York Giants head coach, could also be a candidate, although his disappointing stint with the Giants may make it harder for him to land another head coaching job immediately. Chris Shula, the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive coordinator, is a defensive-minded candidate who could bring a new perspective to the team, while Jesse Minter, the Los Angeles Chargers’ defensive coordinator, is an up-and-coming coach who has experience working with top defensive units.
Defensive-Minded Candidates
The Bills may also consider defensive-minded candidates, such as Brian Flores, the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive coordinator. Flores has experience as a head coach and has done an excellent job of turning around the Vikings’ defense, which could be an attractive option for the Bills. Chris Shula and Jesse Minter are also defensive coordinators who could bring a new level of intensity and expertise to the team’s defense. These candidates could help to balance out the team’s explosive offense and provide a more well-rounded approach to the game.
The Mike Tomlin Factor
One coach who will not be a target for the Bills is Mike Tomlin, who stepped down as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ head coach after their wild-card loss to the Texans. Tomlin has indicated that he plans to take a year off from coaching, and his contract with the Steelers would require any team interested in hiring him to trade for his rights. While Tomlin would be an attractive candidate for any team, his situation makes it unlikely that the Bills will pursue him. Instead, the team will focus on the other candidates who are available and ready to take on the challenge of leading the Bills to the next level.
Conclusion
The search for the next Buffalo Bills head coach is underway, and the team has a number of talented candidates to consider. From internal options like Joe Brady to external candidates like Davis Webb and Nate Scheelhaase, the Bills have a range of options to choose from. Whether they opt for an offensive-minded coach or a defensive-minded one, the team’s goal will be to find a leader who can take them to the Super Bowl and bring a championship to Buffalo. With a talented roster and a committed front office, the Bills are well-positioned to find the right coach and make a deep run in the playoffs.
