Two weeks into the search, several teams reportedly did not view McDermott as a candidate, either due to timing or the depth of their ongoing hiring processes. The dynamic illustrates how quickly perception can shift after a long-tenured coach exits.
Fox Sports’ Greg Auman reported that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reached out to McDermott about joining Todd Bowles’ staff, but he is expected to take the year off and reassess his options in 2027. Auman noted McDermott’s prior overlap with Eagles personnel executive Jason Licht and his past interview for the Buccaneers’ head coaching job in 2016.
Industry observers have drawn parallels to Mike Vrabel’s path, suggesting McDermott could re-enter the coaching ranks with time away, potentially returning to a staff role before pursuing a head-coaching opportunity again in the future. Vrabel’s route underscores how a strategic pause can position a candidate for a renewed run at a top job.
The report also mentions the Bills’ front-office decision to hire Joe Brady, McDermott’s former offensive coordinator, as the team’s next head coach. If McDermott later pursues a head-coaching job, he could again be a strong AFC-market candidate, potentially facing Brady’s Bills and other contenders in coming seasons.
