The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL NEWS: Bills fire Sean McDermott
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Jan 19, 2026 The Buffalo Bills' surprising decision to fire Sean McDermott after their playoff loss sparks heated discussion. The hosts explore the odd timing, questioning McDermott's defensive accountability and roster talent issues. They highlight missed draft opportunities and what type of coach the Bills should pursue next. Comparisons with the Ravens reveal strategic differences, and the pressure of Josh Allen's career timeline looms large. Legacy moments, like the infamous 13 seconds, showcase the team's journey from underdogs to contenders.
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McDermott Transformed The Franchise
- Sean McDermott rebuilt Buffalo from a cellar team into a perennial contender and deserves credit for that transformation.
- The franchise now judges success by deep playoff runs, raising coaching stakes significantly.
Firing Rooted In Repeated Shortfalls
- The Bills fired Sean McDermott despite nine successful seasons because consistent playoff shortfalls outweighed past progress.
- Their defense sagged late in recent seasons, tying McDermott to results despite roster injuries and staff changes.
Roster, Not Just Coaching, Is The Core Issue
- The roster lacks true stars beyond Josh Allen, making schematic or coaching changes insufficient alone.
- Draft misses at high picks and thin depth left the Bills without reliable difference-makers late in games.