Former Bills HC Sean McDermott linked to another NFL team before season

After going 12-5 in the regular season and winning their Wild-Card Round matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Buffalo Bills made a surprise decision to fire Sean McDermott after a loss in overtime to the Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round.

McDermott didn’t take a head coaching job in this year’s hiring cycle, but he’s expected to be a hot name during the next offseason. 

McDermott went 98-50 during his nine seasons with the Bills. Buffalo won five AFC East championships, and 2018 was the only season the team failed to make the postseason under McDermott. 

More News: Texas HC Steve Sarkisian Slams Ole Miss for ‘Basket Weaving’ Degree

More News:FIFA Under Fire For Defending Attendance For World Cup Match

However, McDermott faced heavy criticism for not making a Super Bowl appearance with star quarterback Josh Allen. The Bills had an 8-8 record in the playoffs under McDermott.

Per Jason La Canfora, a longtime NFL personnel executive believes McDermott would be a strong candidate for the Washington Commanders if the team fires Dan Quinn.

“Keep an eye on (former Bills head coach) Sean McDermott there next year,” the exec told La Canfora. “Just remember who told you first.”

The Commanders went 12-5 and made the NFC championship in Quinn’s first season in 2024. Amid injuries to quarterback Jayden Daniels, Washington took a step back in 2025, missing the playoffs with a 5-12 record.

Canfora suggested Quinn is entering the fall on the hot seat amid questions about how his defense has performed during the last two seasons. A league general manager told La Canfora he believes the Commanders are considering making a head coaching change during the winter, suggesting a move could come before the end of the regular season.

All of that speculation could go away if the Commanders play more like they did in 2024 with a healthy Daniels and an improved defense. Quinn made significant changes to the staff this offseason, hiring defensive coordinator Daronte Jones and offensive coordinator David Blough.

For more on the Bills and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 4:45 PM.