Background and recent activity
McDermott was released by the Bills after a nine-season tenure that included multiple playoff runs and two appearances in the AFC Championship Game, though Buffalo did not capture a Super Bowl title during his watch. Since stepping away from the Bills, he has remained engaged with the league, taking in practices and studying various coaching staffs. His presence at the Titans-Bears practice, in particular, has drawn attention because it pairs him with one of the league’s rising young masterminds in Chicago’s Ben Johnson.
Observing top coaching minds
There is a wide consensus in the NFL community that McDermott remains a highly respected figure in football coaching. His approach to building and maintaining a defense, managing a locker room, and sustaining competitive teams over a long period has earned him recognition. At the same time, the evolving nature of the league means even seasoned coaches must adapt and learn from others who are innovating in real time.
In his recent public comments, McDermott has emphasized the value of learning from peers and staying curious about different play styles and organizational cultures. He has highlighted the importance of ongoing professional development, a mindset that many former head coaches adopt as they consider potential future roles. Observing teams like the Rams under head coach Sean McVay offers a front-row view into how successful offenses and defenses are structured at the highest level, while watching the Bears under Ben Johnson provides a glimpse into how a rising coach crafts game plans and develops players early in his tenure.
Joe Brady’s trajectory and McDermott’s perspective
A notable talking point surrounding McDermott’s departure from Buffalo concerns Joe Brady, who rose from quarterback coaching to offensive coordinating duties within the Bills’ staff and eventually to the head coaching position in a subsequent season. McDermott has publicly expressed support for Brady, noting Brady’s work ethic, intellect, and prior experience, including time spent at the college level. He described Brady as a hard-working, intelligent coach who had the opportunity to learn and grow while on his staff, and he praised Brady’s performance and potential overall.
This dynamic underscores a broader theme in NFL leadership transitions: when a head coach departs, the organization’s internal coaching pipeline—particularly the success of the offensive staff—can influence both fan expectations and future hiring decisions. McDermott’s comments reflect both a sense of pride in the colleagues he has mentored and a pragmatic recognition that emerging coaches deserve opportunities to lead.
Context for Buffalo’s post‑McDermott era
While McDermott’s tenure was defined by steady playoff appearances, the Bills’ inability to reach the Super Bowl during his tenure ultimately contributed to calls for a change in leadership. The decision to move on created an opening for a new coaching staff to shape the team’s direction, with expectations that the next head coach would bring a different strategic approach and potentially a fresh offensive philosophy.
Looking ahead
For McDermott, the current period appears to be about staying connected to the league, gathering insights from different teams, and continuing to develop as a leader who can potentially lead again in the future. Observing coaches like McVay and Johnson offers a comparative lens on how top programs balance tactical creativity with player development, game management, and organizational culture.
As teams continue through their preseason preparations and turn toward the regular season, the NFL will likely feature more crossover appearances and informal learnings from former head coaches and current staffers. Such interactions can contribute to the evolving playbooks, coaching philosophies, and leadership styles across the league.
In summary, Sean McDermott remains active within the professional football landscape, leveraging opportunities to observe, learn, and stay connected with the sport. His engagement with current coaching minds signals the ongoing possibility of another head coaching opportunity, should the right fit present itself in the future.
