It was an interesting week in Buffalo Bills land.
There were reports that Sean McDermott may have been fired if the Bills lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Wildcard Weekend.
That obviously didn’t happen but a week later, and a 20-17 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos, saw McDermott shown the door in the Queen City.
Speaking for the first time in years to the Buffalo media, owner Terry Pegula offered this explanation as to why McDermott was fired.
“My decision to bring in a new coach was based on the results of our game in Denver, said the 74-year old Pegula.
“I did not fire coach [McDermott] based on a bad officiating decision. If I can take you into that locker room, I felt like we hit the proverbial playoff wall year after year — 13 seconds, missed field goal, the catch. So, I just sensed in that locker room, like, where do we go from here with what we have? And that was the basis for my decision.”
The same day McDermott was fired, general manager Brandon Beane was promoted to President of Football Operations drawing the ire of many around the football world.
McDermott deserved a better fate after posting a (98-50) regular-season record (.662 winning percentage). He was just (8-8) in the playoffs however.
“This community graciously embraced not only me but my family and in some ways helped raise our children over the last 9 years. For that I say thank you to all of the teachers, coaches, and friends whom we met along the way…the City of Good Neighbors! We Love You! We will miss Buffalo.:
That was the statement McDermott released Monday afternoon, just hours after being fired/
So who will become the Bills 22nd (including interim) head coach in franchise history?
One name mentioned immediately is Welland born Brian Daboll. The former Buffalo offensive coordinator was most recently head coach of the New York Giants.
Daboll was interviewed earlier this week.
So was current Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Leaving many to speculate that Brady could become head coach, with Daboll back in charge of the offense.
Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo also has interviewed with Beane and the Buffalo brass.
The Bills have also scheduled an interview with Washington Commanders running backs coach, and former interim head coach in Buffalo Anthony Lynn for this Saturday, and Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski Sunday.
Pegula has said that quarterback Josh Allen will have a role in the consultation process.
Interestingly enough, despite numerous current and past Bills players speaking up and out on McDermott’s firing, Allen has yet to publicly make a statement.
And while McDermott was a defensive coach brought to coach Buffalo, my gut is saying the next Bills head coach will be an offensive minded one.
We soon shall see.
