Out of the blue, a new contender for the title of “most desirable head coaching position” in the NFL has emerged.
Previously, that title belonged to the Baltimore Ravens, who let go of John Harbaugh after nearly two decades at M&T Bank Stadium, especially after they missed the playoffs. The opportunity to coach two-time league MVP Lamar Jackson made that job particularly intriguing.
Recently, after a tough defeat to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round, the Buffalo Bills dismissed Sean McDermott after nine seasons leading the team. He had guided the squad to 98 regular-season victories and 106 overall, but they fell short of reaching the Super Bowl during his tenure.
It’s worth noting, they also haven’t made it to the big game while Josh Allen has been their quarterback.
This also means that both of the NFL’s recent MVPs, Allen and Jackson, will be starting fresh with new coaches next season.
Interest in the head coaching position in Buffalo is sure to be high, but here are some candidates that seem to stand out.
Joe Brady, OC, Buffalo Bills
Brady’s name appears often for those looking to coach Allen.
The search for a coach may not take long, though.
Brady has been considered a future NFL head coach for quite some time, notably after his time as the passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach at LSU in 2019, where he worked with future stars like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase to lead the team to a national championship.
He spent a couple of years as the offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers but didn’t quite meet the fans’ expectations. However, he found a new role in Buffalo, initially serving as the QB coach before being promoted to interim OC midway through the 2023 season after Ken Dorsey was let go.
Since Buffalo’s recent loss, Brady has already participated in three head coaching interviews, including one with the Ravens. Keeping him in Buffalo might be sensible for maintaining Allen’s engagement and getting the offense back on track. While other options may exist, his relationship with Allen and the prospect of him heading to a rival team could make him a key candidate.
Mike McDaniel, former Miami Dolphins head coach
Assuming Brady might not be the solution for Buffalo.
And he could very well not be. I mean, I’ve changed my opinions before, and I’m sure I’ll do it again before today’s game kicks off.
If that’s the case, thinking about the typical NFL hiring trend is useful. Teams often choose candidates with expertise in one area, then hire someone from the opposite side later.
With McDermott’s defensive background, it’s plausible Buffalo might look for an offensive-minded head coach. This aligns with what many in the league are suggesting this offseason: teams want an “offensive head coach with play-calling experience.”
There was an expectation that McDaniel would retain his job in Miami, directing the blame for any shortcomings to the former GM or Tua Tagovailoa. That was not the outcome, making McDaniel an attractive option among offensive coordinators currently, although he’s also interviewing for head coaching positions.
One can’t help but think how his offense might perform with Allen at quarterback, rather than Tagovailoa.
Clint Kubiak, offensive coordinator, Seattle Seahawks
Kubiak’s credentials have certainly put him on the radar, especially given his experience as the pass game coordinator with Kyle Shanahan and his performance as offensive coordinator under Sam Darnold last season in Seattle.
That said, one has to wonder what he could achieve with Allen as opposed to Purdy and Darnold.
Whether he’s really ready for a head coaching role remains to be seen. But if maximizing Allen’s potential is the goal right now, Kubiak deserves at least some consideration for the position.
Davis Webb, QB Coach, Denver Broncos
Webb’s name has been repeated frequently since he joined the league. When he was let go by the New York Giants after the 2022 preseason, I mentioned at the time that he’d likely end up finding a coaching gig sooner rather than later.
So, did he make his way to Buffalo thereafter?
In early 2023, he delved deeper into coaching, eventually signing with Sean Payton in Denver as a quarterbacks coach. He was promoted last season to offensive passing game coordinator. Webb has built a reputation as a “QB Whisperer,” which holds significance in the NFL.
And this isn’t coming from just anyone; even respected figures like Kliff Kingsbury have acknowledged his talent. “If I had a son playing quarterback, I’d want him to play for Davis Webb,” they say.
His expertise in QB development might not align perfectly with Buffalo’s current situation, though. It’s not about developing a rookie, but about elevating an MVP-caliber quarterback. Still, hiring a young, evolving offensive coach to work alongside Allen for a significant period could be a beneficial move for the team.
Kliff Kingsbury, former OC, Washington Commanders
Should the Bills consider a former offensive coordinator with experience as a head coach?
If that’s the case, Kingsbury might be a candidate worth examining.
His time as Washington’s offensive coordinator concluded following the firing of two other coordinators. However, he does come with offensive expertise and head coaching experience. Critics often argue his system lacks depth and adaptability once opponents catch up.
However, the quarterback talent that Allen possesses could render this concern less significant. With a player like him, gimmick plays might be less necessary.
Brian Daboll, former New York Giants head coach
“I love this guy,” is what Josh Allen had to say about his former coordinator back in November.
Who is this admirable figure? It’s Brian Daboll.
Daboll was let go as head coach of the New York Giants during the 2025 season, but his history with Allen could position him well for a return to Buffalo. Much of Allen’s ascent from a struggling player to league MVP can be credited to both Allen’s own efforts and Daboll’s guidance.
After all, Daboll was Allen’s first offensive coordinator, overseeing his impressive transformation from 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in his rookie season to league MVP.
The aim is to maximize Allen’s abilities.
Bringing back the coach who helped him started on that journey might be the best option.
