Who replaces Sean McDermott? Top coaching candidates to lead Josh Allen and the Bills in 2026

The Buffalo Bills have entered a new chapter after the surprise firing of head coach Sean McDermott. The decision came despite another playoff appearance and a strong regular season, but repeated postseason exits finally forced ownership to make a bold move. With franchise quarterback Josh Allen in his prime and a new stadium opening next season, Buffalo now faces one of its biggest decisions in years choosing the right coach to finally take the team to a Super Bowl.Here are the top names emerging as leading candidates to replace McDermott and guide the Bills into 2026 and beyond.Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady is widely seen as the early favourite. At the age of 36, he has earned praise for reshaping Buffalo’s offence and helping Allen play more controlled, efficient football. Promoting him would give the team continuity and keep Allen in a system he already trusts.He is also expected to attract interest from other teams, so Buffalo may move quickly if they want to keep him in-house. For many fans, this is the safest and smartest option.Former Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll is another strong contender. He played a key role in Allen’s early development before leaving to become New York Giants head coach. His stint in New York ended earlier than expected, but his relationship with Allen remains a major plus.A reunion could help Buffalo rediscover the aggressive, creative offence that once made the Bills one of the league’s most feared teams.If the Bills want to go fully offence-focused, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel could be an exciting option if he becomes available. Known for his modern play design and quarterback-friendly schemes, he could unlock even more from Allen’s arm and athleticism.Hiring him would signal a clear shift away from defence-first thinking and toward building around Allen completely.Former Dolphins and current Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is also in the mix. He knows the AFC East well and has head coaching experience. If Buffalo believes defence still holds the key to championships, he could bring discipline and toughness back to the unit.However, pairing him with the right offensive coordinator would be crucial to keep Allen comfortable.Other rising names include Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, Seahawks coordinator Klint Kubiak, and Packers defensive coach Jeff Hafley. These younger coaches bring fresh energy and modern ideas, but hiring them would be a gamble for a team that expects to win now.The Bills' future could depend on this hiring decision for the next ten years. Josh Allen is one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, but he hasn't been able to win a championship yet. Buffalo can't afford to make another mistake now that they have a new stadium and high hopes.