Sean McDermott’s Selective Approach to NFL Coaching Opportunities
Former Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott is taking a calculated approach to his next career move, showing no interest in rebuilding projects with the Las Vegas Raiders or Arizona Cardinals. At 51 years old and following his departure from the Bills after failing to reach the Super Bowl with star quarterback Josh Allen, McDermott appears to be seeking a role with a team already closer to championship contention. His stance reflects a veteran coach’s desire to leverage his experience rather than start from scratch, particularly after consistently guiding the Bills to playoff appearances in recent seasons.
McDermott’s reputation as a skilled team-builder with a defense-first philosophy makes him an attractive candidate for franchises already positioned to compete. NFL insider Tom Pelissero highlighted this sentiment on “The Rich Eisen Show,” noting that McDermott would likely pass on total rebuilds in favor of more developed situations. “I don’t really see him saying, ‘I’m gonna go to Arizona, or I’m gonna go to Las Vegas,'” Pelissero remarked, instead pointing to organizations like the Pittsburgh Steelers or Baltimore Ravens as potential matches that would align with McDermott’s career objectives and coaching strengths.
The contrast between McDermott’s options is stark. The Raiders, holding the first overall pick after finishing with the NFL’s worst record, and the Cardinals, similarly languishing near the bottom of the standings, would require years of reconstruction to become playoff contenders. This timeline doesn’t appear to align with McDermott’s career trajectory, as he likely seeks to build upon his established reputation rather than facing the lengthy patience required to transform struggling franchises.
While there would be certain advantages to accepting a rebuilding role—such as greater resources and the time to methodically implement his systems without immediate pressure to win—McDermott seems intent on leveraging his proven track record for a more advantageous position. His success in Buffalo, despite falling short of the ultimate goal, demonstrated his ability to develop a competitive team and earn players’ trust and commitment. These qualities make him particularly valuable to teams already possessing solid foundations but needing leadership to reach championship level.
The decision reflects a broader pattern among established NFL coaches who, after achieving a certain level of success, become selective about their next opportunities. McDermott’s approach suggests he values immediate competitiveness over the potential long-term benefits of building a team entirely in his image. This strategy minimizes the career risk associated with lengthy rebuilds that might not succeed, particularly relevant for a coach in his early fifties who has already established his capability to lead playoff-caliber teams.
As the NFL coaching carousel continues to spin, McDermott’s situation illustrates the complex calculations involved in matching experienced coaches with appropriate opportunities. His focus on teams further along in their development cycle highlights the importance of organizational fit and timing in coaching transitions. Whether he ultimately lands with a traditionally stable organization like the Steelers or another team positioned for immediate success, McDermott’s next move will likely be guided by the potential for championship contention rather than the challenge of a complete rebuild. This selective approach may serve as a model for other established coaches navigating their careers in the highly competitive and results-oriented landscape of NFL coaching.
