It's safe to say Buffalo Bills fans were largely surprised at Sean McDermott being fired after nine seasons under the headset. There are certainly arguments to be made that it was time for the Bills to find a new voice and new leadership, but the pushback from the fanbase has come after the Bills kept general manager Brandon Beane, and even promoted him to President of Football Operations on the same day McDermott was fired.
This comes after several swings and misses in the draft, as well as Beane's inability to put a good No. 1 receiver around Josh Allen since trading Stefon Diggs in 2024. In light of these decisions, Bills fans have gone to extreme lengths to voice their frustrations with the organization, with many signing a petition to bring McDermott back as head coach.
At the time of writing, the petition, put together by Maria Maisonet, has over 25,000 signatures.
"I've been a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan for over 40 years, and the recent decision to fire Sean McDermott has left me and countless others heartbroken and baffled," Maisonet writes. "Sean McDermott has not only been a strategic mastermind behind our team's recent successes, but he has also been an inspiring leader with a deep commitment to the Buffalo community. Under McDermott’s leadership, the Bills have experienced a remarkable transformation. He revitalized the team's performance and reignited the passion of the fans. Notably, he led the Buffalo Bills to the playoffs multiple times after a lengthy drought, bringing a renewed sense of hope and excitement to a community that lives and breathes football. His coaching style and strategic insight have been pivotal in shaping a competitive and spirited team that made us proud..."
The Bills certainly aren't going to just re-hire McDermott, but a vocal part of the fanbase is angry with the decision, which puts even more pressure on Beane and owner Terry Pegula to hire the right guy who will bring immediate success.
More NFL news:
Buffalo Bills wide receiver defends Keon Coleman after Terry Pegula's disparaging comments
Buffalo Bills disaster press conference unmasked a franchise in freefall
Commanders predicted to make massive trade for $106 million defender
Messy details emerge on Sean McDermott's fractured relationship with Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane