Former Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott, fresh off an abrupt exit from the team after a bitter playoff loss, is trying to keep his eyes trained forward.
The former Bills coach spoke for the first time since he was fired in January, when owner Terry Pegula decided the team needed to take a new direction after six years of heartbreaking playoff losses as the team fell just short of the Super Bowl.
Speaking to The Athletic, McDermott revealed that he is not resentful about the decision and is getting prepared for the next opportunity.
The report noted that McDermott and his family moved to Charlotte, N.C., not long after his firing. He has spent his time preparing for a new coaching job, digging into his work with “study and research projects” related to coaching.
In between, McDermott is picking his kids up from school and watching his daughter, a Notre Dame recruit, in her final softball season.
The former Bills head coach said he’s not dwelling on his exit from Buffalo, only focusing on improving for his next job.
“When you stop asking questions, that’s when you get yourself into trouble,” McDermott said. “People who are leaders, who think they have all the answers and aren’t asking questions, are the ones, I feel like, that run into trouble sooner or later, just in terms of not being the best versions of themselves. … So, I’m passionate about that; passionate about growing and evolving, and I think the NFL is so competitive, and you’ve got to be continually asking yourself, ‘What, why, how?’ If you want to continue to be successful, it’s in the margins.”
McDermott added that he was grateful for his time in Buffalo and the close relationship he had with the top brass.
“I think a lot of people want the type of relationship we had for a better part of nine years, myself, (general manager) Brandon (Beane), Terry, and I’m extremely grateful to both of them; to Terry for the opportunity he gave me, and then working together with Brandon, and I think that organization is in a great spot. … The piece that we control what we can control, that’s really where my focus is.”
Because McDermott was fired so late in the spin of the NFL coaching carousel, he didn’t have much of a chance to consider other job openings that had mostly been filled by the time the Bills lost in the playoffs. But he is open to another opportunity, buoyed by the success he found across nearly a decade in Buffalo.
“You know,” McDermott opined, “sometimes when one door closes, another one opens, also, right? … How many head coaches are able to do it for nine years and really take something, get it turned around, build a culture, break a 17-year playoff drought in the first season, and then go to the playoffs eight out of nine years? I mean, we — and I say we because it wasn’t just me; collectively, we as a team — accomplished a lot. So when you kind of take a step back and go, ‘Hang on here,’ I think perspective is healthy and important, right and powerful, and just be like, ‘Hey, I can’t control the decision.’ ”
Kansas City, Missouri – As the Kansas City Chiefs continue their pursuit of sustained dominance, an emotional and strategic decision has captured attention across the NFL landscape.
In a move that blends legacy with long-term vision, the organization has brought back a franchise icon, not as a player, but as a mentor for the next generation.
The decision goes beyond symbolism, reflecting a calculated effort to preserve the identity and culture that have fueled Kansas City’s modern success.
Jamaal Charles has officially returned to the Chiefs, stepping into a coaching role that marks a new chapter in his long-standing connection with the franchise.
During his playing career, he established himself as one of the most efficient running backs in NFL history, holding the highest yards-per-carry average among qualified players.
A three-time All-Pro selection, he was defined not only by elite speed but also by vision, resilience, and an ability to thrive under difficult circumstances.
Coming home to Kansas City isn’t just a job — It’s a privilege. This is where my speed, my legacy, and my unfinished mission all belong.
That message resonated immediately, reinforcing the emotional bond between the player, the city, and a fan base that never forgot his impact.
Sources within the organization indicate that his contract includes more than a standard coaching role, featuring elements tied to long-term player development strategy.
The reported clause is believed to involve a deeper role in shaping offensive philosophy and maintaining the foundational identity of the team.
Under head coach Andy Reid, the Chiefs have built a dynamic and adaptable system, and this addition is viewed as a natural extension of that approach.
With Patrick Mahomes leading the offense on the field, the organization is focused on maximizing every competitive advantage available.
Charles is expected to work closely with the running back group, offering insight, technique refinement, and a championship-level mindset.
However, his value extends well beyond the technical aspects of the game, particularly in shaping locker room culture and leadership standards.
For younger players, access to a figure who experienced both adversity and excellence within the same organization provides a unique developmental advantage.
The move also reflects a growing trend across the NFL, where former players are increasingly integrated into team structures to reinforce culture and continuity.
Kansas City is not rebuilding, it is managing sustained success, and every decision is made with the goal of extending its championship window.
Bringing back iconic figures ensures that the core values of the franchise remain intact as new talent continues to emerge.
Fan reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with many viewing the move as a powerful connection between the team’s past and present.
As the new season approaches, his presence could become an intangible difference maker that cannot be measured through statistics alone.
For Kansas City, this is more than a reunion, it is a statement that long-term greatness is built not just on talent, but on identity and legacy.