Sean McDermott is out in Buffalo after nine seasons, and the Las Vegas Raiders may now have a new candidate to consider in their head-coaching search.
The Bills fired McDermott on Monday following a 33-30 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the AFC divisional round. It was the fourth time in five years Buffalo was eliminated at that playoff stage. McDermott posted a 98-50 regular-season record, won five straight AFC East titles, and reached the AFC championship game twice, losing both times to the Kansas City Chiefs.
“Sean has done an admirable job of leading our football team for the past nine seasons,” Bills owner Terry Pegula said in a statement. “But I feel we are in need of a new structure within our leadership to give this organization the best opportunity to take our team to the next level. We owe that to our players and to Bills Mafia.”
The Raiders, who are in the midst of interviewing candidates, met with former Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel in person in Miami on Monday. A Raiders contingent was also expected at the College Football Playoff national championship game later that night to watch Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the likely No. 1 pick in April’s NFL draft.
Why McDermott could fit
McDermott’s track record of winning is undeniable. He had only one losing season in nine years. His culture-building ability drew support from players after his firing; defensive tackle Jordan Phillips posted on Instagram, “This (bleep) here is so stupid honestly sickening. The best coach I’ve ever been around.” Though a defensive-minded coach, McDermott hired offensive coordinators Brian Daboll and Joe Brady to develop Josh Allen into an MVP, a blueprint he could replicate with a young quarterback like Mendoza.
Reasons for caution
Buffalo’s defense often faltered in big moments, and the Raiders might prefer an offensive-minded coach to pair with a rookie quarterback. McDermott’s 8-8 postseason record and inability to reach the Super Bowl raise questions about whether he can take a team to the ultimate prize. At 51, he may also be less inclined to commit to a long rebuild, given that the Raiders are far from contending in the AFC West.
