The Buffalo Bills shocked the NFL world on Monday morning by firing longtime coach Sean McDermott after Saturday’s AFC divisional round loss to the Denver Broncos.
McDermott has been with Buffalo since 2017 and was part of the braintrust that drafted superstar quarterback Josh Allen. He posted a 98-50 regular season record with the Bills and went 8-8 in the postseason.
The pain of Buffalo not maximizing an AFC playoffs run without Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow likely played into Buffalo’s decision to let go of their head coach. Now, the chance to work with Josh Allen is available for NFL coaching candidates. Who could Buffalo tab to work with the reigning MVP?
The job should be incredibly coveted across the league. Let’s go over some candidates that make a ton of sense.
Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak
Kubiak’s Seattle offense walloped the vaunted San Francisco 49ers defense on Saturday in the NFC divisional round, making the offensive coordinator an even more viable candidate for an NFL opening. If Kubiak wants the chance to work with one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks with a playoff-ready roster, Buffalo is now open.
Former Giants coach Brian Daboll
While Daboll struggled after his first year in New York, he has a direct relationship with Buffalo from his days calling plays for Allen. If the Bills want a coach who knows Allen’s strengths as well as anyone, Daboll is available.
Chargers DC Jesse Minter
The best defensive candidate available is arguably Minter, a strong branch off the Harbaugh coaching tree. If Buffalo wants to maintain its defensive identity, Minter could be an enticing candidate for the Bills.
Former Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel
McDaniel is regarded as one of the sharpest offensive minds in the NFL. Would Buffalo tab its former AFC East foe to take over for McDermott? McDaniel could give Allen some of the most creative offensive designs of his career.
Former Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury
Kingsbury is widely praised for his work with quarterbacks. We would be endlessly fascinated to see what he would do with Allen, who could benefit from a fresh perspective after his incredible run with the Bills thus far.
Former Ravens OC Todd Monken
Monken guided Lamar Jackson to MVP-caliber play, showing he knows how to work with a superstar quarterback like Allen. While Monken is expected to land an offensive coordinator job, Buffalo springing open makes us wonder.
Rams OC Mike LaFleur
LaFleur could be the next Rams assistant to land a head coaching job, joining brother Matt LaFleur in holding a top job. LaFleur landing the Buffalo job would be huge for his career; we’d be fascinated to see Allen in a Sean McVay/Kyle Shanahan-inspired offense. Kubiak, McDaniel and LaFleur all bring that schematic background.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Bills coaching candidates after Sean McDermott fired
