Story perspectives

Buffalo Bills Fire McDermott, Eyeing Top Coaching Candidates

1/21/2026

Summary

Bills Seek Coach

The Buffalo Bills fired Sean McDermott and are intensifying their head-coach search by planning interviews with multiple candidates.
Grant Udinski, the Jacksonville Jaguars' offensive coordinator, is gaining traction as a top candidate after helping develop quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
The Bills are weighing options, including Brian Daboll, the former Giants head coach, Joe Brady, Lou Anarumo, and Anthony Weaver.
The Cleveland Browns are competing for Udinski, complicating their own coaching search.

Summary

Schwartz Eyes Promotion

Jim Schwartz, the Cleveland Browns' head coach candidate, is to replace Kevin Stefanski and work with a younger offensive-minded coach Grant Udinski.
Schwartz's second interview showed the Browns will keep him as defensive coordinator or assistant head coach.
They plan to meet Nate Scheelhaase after the NFC Championship to satisfy the Rooney Rule.
Schwartz's contract runs through 2026, which complicates options if he does not get a head coaching job.

History

Historical Context

The NFL's Rooney Rule, established in 2006, mandates that teams interview minority candidates for head coaching positions, aiming to enhance diversity. By 2020, minorities comprised 35% of head coaches. Current searches by the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns for candidates like Grant Udinski and Jim Schwartz highlight ongoing challenges in meeting this requirement, potentially influencing future hiring practices across the league.

1 of 3

Bills Seek Coach

The Buffalo Bills fired Sean McDermott and are intensifying their head-coach search by planning interviews with multiple candidates.
Grant Udinski, the Jacksonville Jaguars' offensive coordinator, is gaining traction as a top candidate after helping develop quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
The Bills are weighing options, including Brian Daboll, the former Giants head coach, Joe Brady, Lou Anarumo, and Anthony Weaver.
The Cleveland Browns are competing for Udinski, complicating their own coaching search.

1 / 3