Sean McDermott is entering his eighth season as the Buffalo Bills head coach. One national NFL writer believes it may be his last.
CBS Sports named eight coaches Thursday who enter the 2024 campaign on the hot seat, saying they are on “potentially shaky ground.” McDermott made the list.
Is it possible the Bills could move on from a coach who helped them end a 17-year playoff drought in 2017 and has guided them to six postseason appearances in seven years? Let’s analyze the situation.
Sean McDermott Named As Candidate For 2024 Hot Seat
Lack Of Playoff Success Cited As Main Reason
The critique of Sean McDermott centers significantly on Buffalo’s struggle to advance in the playoffs, which echoes a pattern seen in Andy Reid’s early coaching years with the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite McDermott’s regular-season success and fostering a resilient team culture, his tenure has only yielded one AFC title game appearance in five seasons with quarterback Josh Allen at his peak. This comes amid a revamped roster, raising uncertainties about McDermott’s long-term future.
While McDermott boasts a strong regular-season record of 73-41 (.640 winning percentage), the Bills have faltered in the postseason with a 5-6 record (.455). Facing tough competition in the AFC, particularly from teams like Reid’s Kansas City Chiefs, has added to their challenges. Ultimately, the primary goal remains capturing a Super Bowl, which Buffalo has yet to achieve.
Notably, three of Buffalo’s playoff losses in recent years have come against the Chiefs, including a close 27-24 defeat in last season’s Divisional Round. Other playoff exits were at the hands of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, and Cincinnati Bengals.
Team owner Terry Pegula’s perspective may differ from a strict “Super Bowl-or-bust” mentality. Having also owned the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres since 2011, Pegula has endured a 13-season playoff drought with the team. This background suggests he may prioritize playoff appearances more favorably compared to some peers in the sports ownership realm.
Roster Turnover Creates Challenge For McDermott
Buffalo faced significant departures of key long-term contributors during this offseason, including Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, Tre’Davious White, Leonard Floyd, Mitch Morse, Dane Jackson, Latavius Murray, Tim Settle, and others. General manager Brandon Beane’s strategy was clear: absorb the salary-cap impacts in 2024 to secure financial flexibility for 2025 and beyond. Despite these changes, high expectations remain, placing pressure on Sean McDermott to deliver results.
While the Bills made some depth additions, notable veterans such as Curtis Samuel, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Chase Claypool, Dawuane Smoot, Casey Toohill, and Deion Jones will compete for roster spots. The draft focused on acquiring talents like wide receiver Keon Coleman and safety Cole Bishop, who could potentially start from Day 1, highlighting the necessity brought on by extensive roster adjustments.
McDermott acknowledges the challenge of maximizing the remaining talent, emphasizing the importance of team-wide effort beyond Josh Allen’s pivotal role. Reflecting on the offseason changes, McDermott emphasized the team’s evolving nature and the need for players to embrace their roles within the new framework.
Nevertheless, McDermott reiterated that the ultimate goal remains unchanged: pursuing a world championship, serving as the driving force for the team every day.
What Are The Chances McDermott Is Fired?
It’s hard to imagine a scenario where McDermott is given his walking papers during or after the 2024 season barring a complete disaster.
The Bills have become a model organization after two decades of being a laughing stock. They are a Super Bowl contender every season. They built a culture that’s allowed them to attract free agents. A lot of teams would sign up for that, even without the guarantee of a title.
Make no mistake: McDermott has his work cut out for him in 2024. The offense will likely take time to reach peak form given all the changes. That puts a lot of pressure on his side of the ball (defense) to pick up the slack.
Buffalo’s schedule doesn’t do it many favors either. Its slate is the 10th-toughest in the NFL, per.
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Four of the team’s first six games are on the road. So roster uncertainty combined with early road tests could lead to a slow start.
Ultimately, none of those variables should be enough to keep the Bills out of the playoffs. Their roster is still one of the league’s best based on raw talent. They should find a way to nine or 10 wins, even if it’s a sluggish start.
McDermott may face questions about job security if they do miss the postseason. Even in that scenario, however, it would likely take a truly dreadful year to see him get dismissed.
