NFL Head Coaching Vacancies and the Status of Sean McDermott

Four head coaching positions remain open across the NFL. Among the names being considered for these roles, Sean McDermott stands out as a top candidate. However, he has not been linked to any potential hires during the final stages of this year’s hiring cycle.

McDermott, who was recently fired as the head coach of the Buffalo Bills, has not engaged with any teams that are currently looking for a new head coach, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The Bills have yet to name a replacement for McDermott, while the Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, and Las Vegas Raiders also remain in need of a new leader on the sidelines.

Some of the other coaching vacancies in the league are seen as more appealing than those in Arizona, Cleveland, and Las Vegas. Several candidates, such as Mike McDaniel and Jesse Minter (for the Browns) and Kevin Stefanski (for the Raiders), have stepped away from their respective searches. Klay Kubiak has also removed himself from consideration for all remaining head coaching positions.

Although nothing is set in stone, Rapoport suggests that McDermott could be considering a return to defensive coordinator duties rather than pursuing another head coaching role. He received positive feedback when speaking with others who had taken a break from coaching after a long stint with one team. This experience may influence his decision moving forward.

As a result, it is currently “likely” that McDermott will be out of the league in 2026, according to Rapoport. This contradicts a recent report that claimed he intended to immediately resume his coaching career. At 51 years old, McDermott began his NFL journey in 1999 with the Philadelphia Eagles. His first coaching role came two years later. Over time, he climbed the ranks to become a defensive coordinator, working closely with Andy Reid. After two years in that position, he spent six seasons leading the Carolina Panthers’ defense before joining Brandon Beane in moving to Buffalo.

During his nine years with the Bills, McDermott led the team to the postseason eight times. Each of those seasons saw Buffalo advance to at least the divisional round of the playoffs. However, the team struggled to reach the Super Bowl, which became an increasing concern. Owner Terry Pegula decided to promote Beane and move on from McDermott, who has a .662 winning percentage in the regular season. This record makes him a highly sought-after candidate if and when he decides to return to coaching.

Once the conference title games conclude, more clarity on the remaining head coaching vacancies should emerge. McDermott is free to speak with interested teams at any time, but this may not happen unless there is a shift in his stance regarding the 2026 season.