The Buffalo Bills are embarking on an unexpected head coaching search after firing Sean McDermott, and a former backup to Josh Allen could be on their list of interviews.
The team announced on Monday that McDermott was fired, cutting ties with their longtime coach just two days after a crushing loss to the Denver Broncos. The Bills lost the divisional-round matchup in overtime, falling 33-30 after erasing a 13-point deficit to take a late lead in the fourth quarter.
The Bills decided to take a different direction after falling short of the Super Bowl again, despite years of sustained success under McDermott including five straight AFC East titles.
Bills Could Interview Davis Webb for Coaching Gig
While the Bills are late entrants to the head coaching cycle this year and have seen a number of top candidates already land new jobs, the team is expected to attract some strong interest for the job.
SI.com’s Randy Gurzi suggested that Davis Webb could be one of those candidates. The former Bills quarterback is the offensive passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Denver Broncos and is considered an up-and-coming coach.
“Davis Webb isn’t the most experienced candidate out there, but he’s helped the Denver Broncos find success with Bo Nix, who led them to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons,” Gurzi wrote. “That’s why he’s already had four interviews this cycle, and could add one more.”
Webb has some work ahead of him, with the Broncos forced to turn to backup Jarrett Stidham after starter Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle late in the win over the Bills. The Broncos will host the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game next week.
Davis Webb Has Existing Ties to the Bills
Webb served as the No. 3 quarterback on the Bills, forging a close relationship with Allen. He later moved to the New York Giants, starting a game in the 2022 season under former Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.
Gurzi added that Webb has maintained a close relationship with Allen since retiring from the NFL and joining the coaching ranks.
“If it’s not, perhaps his relationship with Josh Allen could convince Bean to roll the dice. Webb spent three years as a backup to Allen, recently calling Allen his best friend. If they want a coach who their franchise leader supports, it could be Webb.”
The Bills could look at other candidates with recent ties to Buffalo — and to Allen. Daboll is considered a potential candidate after being fired by the Giants during the season. Buffalo’s offense found success under his tenure as offensive coordinator, and he maintained a close relationship with Allen.
In announcing McDermott’s firing on Monday, owner Terry Pegula said the team appreciated his success but wanted to go in a different direction. The team opted to keep general manager Brandon Beane, giving him a promotion to become the president of football operations for the franchise.
Beane will help lead the search for the next Bills head coach, which is expected to kick off in the coming days.
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