Senior News Writer
The Buffalo Bills fired Sean McDermott after nine seasons, a 98-50 record and seven consecutive playoff appearances, after the club couldn’t get over the postseason hump this past January.
Ultimately, the Bills selected offensive coordinator Joe Brady to take over, but the new coach said McDermott’s departure was “devastating.”
Brady spoke for the first time about McDermott’s firing and how he handled that moment on the “SHOUT!” podcast with Matt Parrino.
“I was broken,” Brady said. “I was broken for a guy that I worked for. I was also broken for the rest of the coaching staff that is sitting there, like, we’re all out of jobs right now. There was a lot of emotion going on.”
Brady said he initially didn’t consider that he’d have a shot to take over the head coaching chair in Buffalo, noting that his immediate reaction was that the new coach would probably bring in a new staff.
“It also dawned on me that the only thing I won’t be is the offensive coordinator of the Buffalo Bills,” he said. “I’m only in Buffalo because of Sean and the opportunities that he gave me.”
Brady went through multiple coaching interviews, including with the Cardinals, Falcons, Ravens, Raiders and Dolphins, before the Bills hired him to run their show. By keeping Brady in Western New York, there is some semblance of continuity for Josh Allen and a Bills squad that has won double-digit games each of the past seven seasons.
As much as it pained him to see McDermott fired and knowing the big shoes he must now fill, Brady understands that to get Buffalo to the next level, he can’t simply imitate his former boss.
“Sean did such a great job being Sean,” Brady said. “I don’t want to be coach McDermott — not in a negative way. I want to be Joe Brady.”
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Recent news that Stefon Diggs will not face punishment from the NFL opens the door for the veteran receiver to find a home before training camp. One place Diggs has been widely linked: the Washington Commanders.
Pro Bowler Quinnen Williams admitted that 2025 wasn’t his best season. After generating just 2.5 total sacks, the Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle is aiming to get back on track under Christian Parker.
The Washington Commanders are employing a new offense under first-year coordinator David Blough. QB Jayden Daniels admitted he still has strides to make in mastering the system ahead of Week 1.
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo already declared he’ll be ready to go Week 1 following last year’s season-ending ankle injury. Now, he’s made it clear he’ll be the same old Skattebo when he retakes the field.
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton is heading into Year 2 bolstered by some Hall of Fame praise, telling reporters Wednesday that his new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel said he reminds him of former Broncos great Terrell Davis.
The Bengals are all-in on returning to the Super Bowl, and the pressure is on to live up to the expectations. Quarterback Joe Burrow likened it to the pressure he felt in college before leading LSU to the championship.
NFL.com keeps you up to date with all of the latest league news from around the NFL. Visit NFL.com’s transaction hub for a daily breakdown.
The New York Jets watched the Knicks end their 53-year title drought, hoping they might find similar success 57 years after their last Super Bowl run.
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward has reportedly had some accuracy concerns during offseason workouts. Coach Robert Saleh dismissed the issue, noting that it is part of the process.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers nose tackle Vita Vea has not worked out with the club this offseason. The reason behind the Pro Bowler’s absence is his desire for a contract extension ahead of Year 9.
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