One of the biggest moves in the NFL this offseason came from the Buffalo Bills, who decided to part ways with head coach Sean McDermott and promote offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach.
After the Bills let him go, McDermott didn’t secure another head-coaching position, but it’s possible he’s simply choosing not to coach this season and plans to return to the game next year.
There’s still a chance that McDermott could return to coaching this season. Although all 32 NFL head-coaching positions are currently filled, everyone is watching the New England Patriots situation. Head coach Mike Vrabel is dealing with some off-field issues, and if he steps down, Jobe Morrison of The Big Lead has suggested that McDermott could be a potential fit for New England.
“Sean McDermott brings extensive experience within the AFC East and a proven track record of success. His hiring would add intrigue to matchups against the Buffalo Bills,” Morrison wrote on Wednesday. “Beyond the storyline, McDermott rebuilt the Bills into a consistent contender. Organizational decisions ultimately led to his departure, but his coaching résumé remains strong.”
“While this scenario appears less likely than the others, the situation remains fluid. If additional developments emerge surrounding Vrabel, more unexpected outcomes could come into play.”
Vrabel is Facing a Personal Matter Outside of Football
Vrabel is currently facing an issue that came to light in mid-April, when photos surfaced of him getting close to NFL insider Dianna Russini during the NFL Owners Meeting in Arizona at the end of March.
Russini stepped down from her role at The Athletic following the photo scandal. Vrabel left the Patriots on Day 3 of the NFL Draft, Saturday, for counseling but returned to the facility on Monday.
It doesn’t seem likely that Vrabel will step down as Patriots head coach, but if he does, McDermott could be one of the best options available.
McDermott Would be a Nice Fit For The Patriots
McDermott coached the Bills for nine seasons, achieving a 98-50 record. He helped Buffalo reach the playoffs in eight of those nine seasons, but after the team lost in the AFC Divisional Round this past season, the Bills decided not to wait and see if McDermott could finally get them over the hump next year.
There aren’t many jobs as appealing as the Patriots’ position that might become available. However, if a spot does open up in New England, McDermott should do everything he can to secure it.
Josh McDaniels Could be The Next Man in Line
That said, there’s still a good chance that offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels could be promoted to head coach.
“Josh McDaniels represents the most likely outcome in this worst-case scenario. He brings prior head coaching experience and has spent much of his career with the Patriots organization,” Morrison added.
“If Vrabel resigns, McDaniels offers the most logical transition. The team could promote him internally as an interim option, likely as a short-term solution.”
It will be interesting to see if Vrabel decides to step down, and if he does, intriguing to find out who will take over as the next head coach.
Ex-Bills HC Sean McDermott Named Possible Fit For Patriots if Mike Vrabel Steps Down