Updated Jan. 20, 2026, 9:22 p.m. ET

With the Buffalo Bills firing Sean McDermott as head coach, many questions come to mind.

Many of those immediate ones involved how the the Bills got to the point of telling McDermott he’s out in Buffalo… but soon the focus will turn to the real pressing matter: Who could be up next to take McDermott’s place?

We know general manager Brandon Beane will stick around to help lead the search. What direction could he go in?

Here are eight potential candidates that the Bills could look to interview for their vacant head coach position in the coming days:

Brian Daboll (Free agent)Nov 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during the second half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Age: 50.

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Daboll was a 20-40-1 during his parts of four years leading the New York Giants. Daboll heading to Buffalo would have nothing to do with that, though. It would be all about his prior time with the Bills and his relationship with quarterback Josh Allen.

Joe Brady (Bills)Jan 12, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady watches warmups prior to a game against the Denver Broncos in an AFC wild card game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Age: 36

Brady is the Bills’ current offensive coordinator. This offseason, gotten more attention from other teams in the NFL than ever before.

Bill Belichick (North Carolina)Oct 31, 2025; Syracuse, New York, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick looks to the clock in the fourth quarter game against the Syracuse Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Age: 73.

Belichick’s stint at North Carolina n the college ranks has been something different. His NFL prowess needs no introduction. If the Bills really want to make a post-McDermott splash? This could be it.

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Offensive Coordinator Klint Kubiak of the Seattle Seahawks during the NFL 2025 game at State Farm Stadium on September 25, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 23-20. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Age: 38.

Kubiak is the offensive coordinator for the Seahawks. Their offense has has a positive improve from 14th to eighth in total yards in 2025.

Brian Flores (Vikings)Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores looks on against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Age: 44.

Many felt like Flores got the short end of the deal during his time as head coach of the Dolphins. He had a 24-25 overall record there, but since then, Flores has had positive reviews of his time as the Vikings defensive coordinator.

Jesse Minter (Chargers)Aug 7, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter at press conference during training camp at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Age: 42.

Minter is the Chargers’ defensive coordinator and one of the hottest coordinator names this hiring cucle.

Mike McCarthy (Free agent)Jan 5, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy looks on during the first half against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Age: 62.

Similar to Belichick, if the Bills wanted to hire someone who has a name that carries weight (and at least one Super Bowl ring), McCarthy is a candidate. During his time with the Packers and Cowboys, McCarthy has a 172-112-2 record.

Mike McDaniel (Free agent)Sep 12, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel shakes hands with Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott after the game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Age: 42.

McDaniel was ousted by the Dolphins just this offseason. But there have been some light connections here… but this could relate to McDaniel potentially becoming an offensive coordinator with the Bills.