20 January, 2026
bills-fire-mcdermott-daboll-emerges-as-top-coaching-candidate

The Buffalo Bills have parted ways with head coach Sean McDermott following a disappointing playoff exit. McDermott’s dismissal comes after the team lost 30-33 to the Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round, marking yet another missed opportunity to reach the Super Bowl. Over his nine seasons, McDermott led the Bills to the playoffs eight times, achieving a regular-season record of 98-50 and securing five AFC East titles.

In the wake of McDermott’s departure, the odds for the Bills’ next head coach have been released, with former Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll emerging as the favorite. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Daboll has odds of +210, suggesting he is a strong contender to return to Buffalo after his recent tenure with the New York Giants ended in November 2023.

Coaching Candidates and Odds

Daboll’s previous experience with the Bills is significant. He served as the team’s offensive coordinator for four seasons and played a crucial role in the development of quarterback Josh Allen. During his time in Buffalo, Daboll was instrumental in transforming the team’s offense, which has drawn interest from the organization once again following his departure from New York, where he had a record of 20-40-1.

Among the other candidates being considered, Mike McDaniel and Joe Brady both hold odds of +430. McDaniel, recently fired by the Miami Dolphins, had a mixed record of 35-33 during his tenure, which included playoff appearances in his first two seasons. Brady is currently the Bills’ offensive coordinator and could be a natural successor should the team decide to promote from within.

Mike Tomlin, a long-time coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is also in the mix with odds of +850. Tomlin has an impressive overall record of 193-114-2 and led the Steelers to a Super Bowl victory in 2008. His experience and success in the NFL make him an attractive option, particularly if the Bills are looking for a proven winner.

Additional candidates include Klint Kubiak (+380), Mike McCarthy (+500), Mike LaFleur (+600), Brian Flores (+650), Bill Belichick (+750), and Jesse Minter (+1000). Each candidate brings a unique set of experiences and qualifications, which will be weighed against the Bills’ needs as they look to rebuild for the upcoming season.

Looking Ahead

The Bills are now tasked with finding a leader who can take them past the playoff hurdle and into the Super Bowl. The selection process will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike, especially as the organization weighs the merits of returning to a familiar face in Daboll versus exploring new leadership paths with other candidates.

As the coaching carousel continues to spin in the NFL, the Bills’ decision on their next head coach is not just about finding a replacement but about setting the trajectory of the franchise for years to come. With the right choice, the Bills could reignite their championship aspirations and finally fulfill their Super Bowl dreams.