So the clear message from this move is that the blame goes on McDermott for the lack of talent on defense in general (including numerous non-contributing recent high draft picks) and in the receiver corps, and not on the GM/now pres of FB operations and GM. Maybe that's true. If not, it sure looks like the GM should be on the clock. Appreciate how forthright and open he is, but if this doesn't bear fruit very soon or at least the defense doesn't show big improvement immediately, don't know how anyone can make a case that he wasn't/isn't a significant part of the problem that led to a HC getting fired.
I would love to know what was going on behind the scenes, and the conversations between Beane and Pegula. Seems tensions were brewing (remember McDermott's response when asked if he had a Super Bowl roster this year and his response was "I love these guys" or something).
McDermott had his faults, but I think he was a fine coach who got quite a lot out of an injury-riddled and questionably talented roster this year. That said, there's a strong argument to be made that something had to change because these Bills are not getting any closer to a SB. In fact, it feel like they're drifting away.
Finally, I feel bad for McDermott on a personal level. He seems to really love the community and the players. It has to hurt not leading the team into their new stadium. The official announcement was kind of lackluster too. I genuinely wish him all the best.
Landry’s run with the Cowboys began when they were a 1960 expansion team. He had them playing for the NFL championship in 66 and 67, and were playoff regulars after that before winning the Super Bowl. Landry should get a pass on those early years for comparison’s sake.
Stram actually won two AFL titles, in 62 and 66, before winning the Super Bowl after the 69 season. Those early pre-Super Bowl years aren’t comparable either.
Definitely an unexpected decision, but I'm not sure there was much of an alternative. The Bills look like they've peaked under, at least, McDermott, if not McDermott and Beane. If you think someone else can get you over the hump, it's time to move on.
I think he's an excellent coach and will have another opportunity somewhere else soon enough. I wish the Packers had done the same with MLF, but I continue to dream...
2026 strikes me as the year of the All-Business Bills. From a palatial new stadium to this decision, I'd expect a sizable turnover in the roster—many of the hangers-on (great team players, no doubt) will be long gone. After a very much nostalgic year, this feels like a big turning of the page. No more Hard Knocks, no more Hallmark. It is truly a new era of Buffalo Bills football, and I have no idea how that's going to look on the field, or feel to the fans.
This is truly Game of Thrones in reality. McDermott handpicked Beane as his gm and McDermott loses his job largely because of Beane's inability to put together the talent to win.
2025-26 showed that McDermott is a top class coach. The blood is on Beane's hands for the Bills' shortcomings. He is truly failing forward.
There were countless reasons for this move, all ultimately emanating from a mismatch between the cowboy persona of Josh Allen and the cautious demeanor of Sean McDermott. In the end after seven swings and misses in the playoffs, it was just time for a change. From the business perspective, this timing fits with the need to maximize season ticket sales in a new building next Fall.
So the clear message from this move is that the blame goes on McDermott for the lack of talent on defense in general (including numerous non-contributing recent high draft picks) and in the receiver corps, and not on the GM/now pres of FB operations and GM. Maybe that's true. If not, it sure looks like the GM should be on the clock. Appreciate how forthright and open he is, but if this doesn't bear fruit very soon or at least the defense doesn't show big improvement immediately, don't know how anyone can make a case that he wasn't/isn't a significant part of the problem that led to a HC getting fired.
I would love to know what was going on behind the scenes, and the conversations between Beane and Pegula. Seems tensions were brewing (remember McDermott's response when asked if he had a Super Bowl roster this year and his response was "I love these guys" or something).
McDermott had his faults, but I think he was a fine coach who got quite a lot out of an injury-riddled and questionably talented roster this year. That said, there's a strong argument to be made that something had to change because these Bills are not getting any closer to a SB. In fact, it feel like they're drifting away.
Finally, I feel bad for McDermott on a personal level. He seems to really love the community and the players. It has to hurt not leading the team into their new stadium. The official announcement was kind of lackluster too. I genuinely wish him all the best.
Landry’s run with the Cowboys began when they were a 1960 expansion team. He had them playing for the NFL championship in 66 and 67, and were playoff regulars after that before winning the Super Bowl. Landry should get a pass on those early years for comparison’s sake.
Stram actually won two AFL titles, in 62 and 66, before winning the Super Bowl after the 69 season. Those early pre-Super Bowl years aren’t comparable either.
Definitely an unexpected decision, but I'm not sure there was much of an alternative. The Bills look like they've peaked under, at least, McDermott, if not McDermott and Beane. If you think someone else can get you over the hump, it's time to move on.
I think he's an excellent coach and will have another opportunity somewhere else soon enough. I wish the Packers had done the same with MLF, but I continue to dream...
Kind of ridiculous they make this move now and of all people we leave Beane in charge.
I’ve wanted McDermott and out for years but to lose your job because of a game decided in typical NFL fashion is just wrong.
2026 strikes me as the year of the All-Business Bills. From a palatial new stadium to this decision, I'd expect a sizable turnover in the roster—many of the hangers-on (great team players, no doubt) will be long gone. After a very much nostalgic year, this feels like a big turning of the page. No more Hard Knocks, no more Hallmark. It is truly a new era of Buffalo Bills football, and I have no idea how that's going to look on the field, or feel to the fans.
This is truly Game of Thrones in reality. McDermott handpicked Beane as his gm and McDermott loses his job largely because of Beane's inability to put together the talent to win.
2025-26 showed that McDermott is a top class coach. The blood is on Beane's hands for the Bills' shortcomings. He is truly failing forward.
Bold decisive move - had to be made - not like the Packers who chose to stick with their "dandy" and live with mediocrity for years to come
There were countless reasons for this move, all ultimately emanating from a mismatch between the cowboy persona of Josh Allen and the cautious demeanor of Sean McDermott. In the end after seven swings and misses in the playoffs, it was just time for a change. From the business perspective, this timing fits with the need to maximize season ticket sales in a new building next Fall.
It was the only option.