Bills fire head coach after losing to Broncos in wild OT playoff game

The last ever game Sean McDermott coached for the Buffalo Bills was in Denver against the Broncos.

No one knew it at the time, but that’s reality after what happened on Monday morning.

The Bills fired McDermott after the Broncos took down Buffalo 33-30 in a wild and epic divisional round playoff game.

Bills fired HC Sean McDermott, per source. pic.twitter.com/snnTXfzJaD

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 19, 2026

“Sean has done an admirable job of leading our football team for the past 9 seasons,” said Bills owner Terry Pegula. “But I feel we are in need of a new structure within our leadership to give this organization the best opportunity to take our team to the next level. We owe that to our players and to Bills Mafia.”

It was an instant classic if you’re a Broncos fan, but more heartbreak for the Bills. McDermott’s been able to get them close every season, but never over the top.

QB Josh Allen had tears in his eyes at his press conference after Denver kicker Will Lutz booted the Broncos through to the AFC Title Game.

However, it was about an hour of joy in the Mile High City. Broncos head coach Sean Payton announced QB Bo Nix fractured his ankle late in OT and it’ll be Jarrett Stidham under center the rest of the season.

Denver will face New England for a shot at the Super Bowl, but is a 5.5 point underdog after the spread opened at 4.5.

At least the Broncos have a chance. The same isn’t true for the Bills, who will now be looking for a new head coach for the first time in nearly a decade.

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