The Buffalo Bills and Sean McDermott parted ways following the 2025 season, but the former head coach does not appear to be holding any grudges toward the organization.
McDermott, who spent nine seasons leading Buffalo from 2017 through 2025, recently offered a strong endorsement of his former team while looking ahead to the 2026 season. Speaking with ESPN, McDermott identified the Bills as one of the teams he believes has a legitimate chance to compete for the Super Bowl.
“If you’re betting on a Super Bowl contender there are certainly one of them,” McDermott said.
McDermott went even further with his prediction for Super Bowl LXI, picking Buffalo to face the Los Angeles Rams in the championship game.
“I don’t see why you wouldn’t bet on them,” McDermott said.
ORANGE GAME WEEK: Syracuse football begins new season against New Hampshire Saturday (preview) His comments also included praise for general manager Brandon Beane and the work Buffalo has done during the offseason, despite speculation surrounding the relationship between Beane and McDermott following the coach’s departure.
McDermott’s tenure in Buffalo remains one of the most successful in franchise history. He helped end the Bills’ 17-year playoff drought during his first season in charge and guided the team to multiple AFC East championships while establishing Buffalo as a consistent postseason contender.
He finished his tenure with a 98-50 regular-season record, giving him a .662 winning percentage, the highest mark by a head coach in franchise history.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.