In a surprising turn of events, former Bills coach Sean McDermott is reportedly considering taking a sabbatical next season. After being let go by the team, McDermott communicated to his staff that he wishes to continue his coaching career, but it appears that 2026 might not be the year for his return.
According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, it’s becoming increasingly probable that McDermott will opt for a year away from the game. This development comes amidst a landscape of head coaching vacancies across the league, yet there seems to be little enthusiasm from teams like the Dolphins and Titans to pause their hiring processes in hopes of securing McDermott's services. Notably, there hasn't been a scramble akin to the famous Harbaugh chase for McDermott, indicating that interest may not be as high as expected.
During his nine seasons with the Bills, McDermott achieved playoff appearances eight times, including an impressive streak of seven consecutive seasons. Even if Bills owner Terry Pegula’s assertion about the team’s struggles being rooted in coaching rather than a lack of talent holds weight, many franchises seeking new leadership are grappling with their own issues of failing to reach the playoffs.
Teams like the Cardinals, Raiders, Browns, Titans, and Dolphins all aspire to make playoff appearances annually, even if they haven’t reached the Super Bowl yet. It's worth noting that McDermott benefited from having one of the league's top quarterbacks during his tenure. However, his initial playoff appearance with Buffalo, which broke an 18-year drought for the franchise, was achieved with Tyrod Taylor at the helm.
Ultimately, it may be wiser for McDermott to wait for the right opportunity instead of rushing into a less desirable position. Each hiring cycle typically brings forth roles that are open not necessarily due to the promise of greatness, making it crucial for coaches to choose wisely.
