The Buffalo Bills made a surprising decision to part ways with head coach Sean McDermott following their loss to the Denver Broncos in the AFC divisional round. McDermott, who played a pivotal role in ending the Bills’ 17-year playoff drought and leading the team to five consecutive AFC East titles, was visibly upset during what would be his final press conference with the franchise.

During the game, there were several questionable penalties, but one particular call stood out to McDermott. The referees ruled that wide receiver Brandin Cooks did not catch the ball, which led to an interception. This decision left McDermott furious, as he believed it was a critical play that could have changed the outcome of the game.

“I’m struggling to understand why it was called the way it was,” McDermott said during the press conference. “If it’s going to be called that way, then why wasn’t it slowed down to make sure we get this right? That would have made a lot of sense to me.”

He continued, “That was a pivotal play in the game. We (would have had) the ball at the 20, maybe kicking a game-winning field goal right there.”

After the press conference, McDermott continued to express his frustration during a pool report. “We’re not just going to sit here and take it,” he said. “I’m pissed off about it, and I feel strongly as I’ve looked at it in review in my own locker that it’s a catch, and that the process should have been handled differently.”

The NFL has a policy regarding fines for coaches, but it differs from the way player fines are announced. While the league typically announces player fines on the Saturday after a game, coaches’ fines are often disclosed separately or not at all. In some cases, teams may choose not to release such information publicly.

For example, former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon received a $100,000 fine after a sideline altercation with Emari Demercado. This information was reported by the AP “on condition of anonymity” because the team did not announce the fine.

McDermott likely knew he might face a fine of up to six figures before his postgame tirade, but he seemed more concerned with the officiating than the potential consequences. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid was fined $100,000 for criticizing officials in 2023.

According to the NFL policy manual, public criticism by players or club employees of game officials is prohibited and can result in fines and/or suspensions. However, fines for such behavior can take longer to announce.

ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reported in 2016 that while there are documented instances of NFL players or coaches paying fines for public criticism, the league considers the circumstances of the offense and typically works on a timetable that is longer than the one-week response it gives to other postgame fines.

As of Sunday, January 25, there was still no news of McDermott receiving a fine. The 51-year-old finished his career in Buffalo with a 98-50 regular-season record, making him the second-winningest coach in Bills history.

Despite the controversy surrounding his departure, McDermott left the franchise on a positive note with a heartfelt goodbye message. He expressed his gratitude to the Pegula family, the Buffalo Bills organization, and the fans for allowing him to live out his dream of being an NFL head coach in such a special place.

“For nearly a decade I have had the opportunity to wake up every morning as the Head Coach of the Buffalo Bills, which has truly been a gift,” he said. “I want to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Pegula family, the Buffalo Bills organization, and to the fans for allowing me to live out the dream of being a Head Coach in the NFL in this incredibly special place.”

He also thanked the staff and players for working together to win football games and make a positive impact in the community. McDermott expressed how the city embraced his family and helped raise their children over the last nine years.

“This community graciously embraced not only me but my family and in some ways helped raise our children over the last 9 years. For that I say thank you to all of the teachers, coaches, and friends whom we met along the way… the City of Good Neighbors! We Love You! We will miss Buffalo.”