The Buffalo Bills went 98-50 in nine seasons with Sean McDermott as their head coach. They were 8-8, however, with him in the AFC playoffs, and that last loss that dropped him to.500 ended his tenure.
The Bills decided to fire McDermott, just two days after the latest postseason setback, a frustrating 33-30 overtime divisional loss in Denver. Although Josh Allen struggled with turnovers and the team had five giveaways, McDermott became the scapegoat for the team not getting to the Super Bowl with no Chiefs in the playoffs.
Here's looking at the best half-dozen candidates to replace McDermott, starting with an assistant who helped Allen win NFL MVP in the 2024 season:
MORE: Why Bills fired Sean McDermott in shocking coaching news
Ranking Bills' best replacements for Sean McDermott
1. Joe Brady, Bills offensive coordinator (age: 36)
Brady is getting interviews to be elevated elsewhere, led by the Ravens with Lamar Jackson as they try to replace John Harbaugh, hired by the Giants. He is a great play-caller with limited weapons and has led a dynamic run-heavy attack led by Allen and NFL rushing champion James Cook. He would be the best choice to keep some continuity for the players.
2. Brian Daboll, former Giants head coach (age: 50)
The Canadian Ontarian who preceded Brady as Allen's first ace offensive coordinator in Buffalo should be in play given his relationship with the quarterback, despite his up-and-down stint with the Giants before being fired midseason and replaced by Harbaugh. Allen will have some key input in the hire for sure with GM Brandon Beane leading the search.
3. Brian Flores, Vikings defensive coordinator (age: 44)
If the Bills want to stay defensive-minded with their top leader and go with someone with great experience in the division, Flores would be the strongest choice, having also worked as the Patriots' defensive coordinator. He would bring more youthful energy to get the D back on track.
4. Jeff Hafley, Packers defensive coordinator (age: 46)
He might not be on the board anymore if the rival Dolphins land him but now the Bills give him a different opportunity in the division to consider. The former Boston College head coach would have a good mindset to keep the team winning post McDermott.
5. Mike LaFleur, Rams offensive coordinator (age: 38)
The Bills should consider either Rams coordinator under Sean McVay, but LaFleur would get the nod over Chris Shula to have a change on both sides of the ball. The brother of the Packers' Matt can bring some more potential playoff juice to help Allen, given his winning experience with McVay.
6. Klint Kubiak, Seahawks offensive coordinator (age: 38)
Kubiak leading Seattle's run-heavy offense to the NFC championship game vs. McVay's Rams is making coaching-hungry teams such as the Raiders, Cardinals and Browns wait, all who've had the jump on their hiring process on the Bills. But Kubiak is hot enough as a candidate to have the right fit, and there's no doubt the Bills would win that battle with the best offer because of having Allen.