Story perspectives

Buffalo Bills Fire Sean McDermott After Playoff Loss

1/30/2026

Summary

McDermott Fired

Sean McDermott was fired as head coach of the Buffalo Bills after a 33-30 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the 2023 divisional round.
Owner Terry Pegula cited the emotional toll on quarterback Josh Allen as a factor in McDermott's dismissal.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers expressed interest in McDermott for a coaching position on Todd Bowles' staff, but he is expected to take the year off to reassess his options for 2027.
The Buccaneers are revamping their coaching staff after an 8-9 season and recently hired Danny Smith as their new special teams coordinator.

Summary

Gruden Declines Jets

Jon Gruden, former head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, drew interest from the New York Jets for a coaching position on Aaron Glenn's staff.
Gruden declined the opportunity, preferring a more prominent role.
He has been out of coaching since 2021 due to a controversy involving offensive emails.
The Buccaneers are restructuring their coaching staff after a disappointing season and recently hired Danny Smith as special teams coordinator.

History

Historical Context

Jon Gruden's resignation as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in October 2021 followed the revelation of offensive emails containing racist and misogynistic language, which were uncovered during an investigation into the Washington Football Team. Gruden, who led the Buccaneers to their first Super Bowl victory in 2003, faced significant backlash, paralleling the emotional impact of coaching changes in the NFL, such as Sean McDermott's firing after a playoff loss.

1 of 3

McDermott Fired

Sean McDermott was fired as head coach of the Buffalo Bills after a 33-30 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the 2023 divisional round.
Owner Terry Pegula cited the emotional toll on quarterback Josh Allen as a factor in McDermott's dismissal.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers expressed interest in McDermott for a coaching position on Todd Bowles' staff, but he is expected to take the year off to reassess his options for 2027.
The Buccaneers are revamping their coaching staff after an 8-9 season and recently hired Danny Smith as their new special teams coordinator.

1 / 3