The Cleveland Browns’ search for a new head coach may have just gotten more interesting on Monday.
The Buffalo Bills shockingly fired head coach Sean McDermott after the Bills flamed out early in the playoffs once again. Now, McDermott instantly becomes an intriguing candidate for several openings, one would assume.
Before the McDermott news, it seemed like defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken had momentum to land the Cleveland job. Now? It wouldn’t be surprising at all to see the Browns poke around McDermott.
In fact, Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot mentioned that the Browns have “liked” McDermott in the past.
Apparently, back in 2016, general manager Andrew Berry wanted to hire McDermott, but Browns ownership overruled Berry and hired Hue Jackson instead. The Jackson era was an unmitigated disaster in Cleveland, while McDermott went on to have a successful nine-year run with the Bills.
The thing about hiring McDermott, who is a defensive-minded coach, is that it would almost certainly mean Schwartz is gone. The team prefers to keep Schwartz considering his defense was among the league’s best in 2025.
However, there’s no guaranteeing McDermott’s defense would be worse. The coach would still have elite talent like Myles Garrett and Mason Graham at his disposal, plus a pair of first round picks in 2026.
Cabot is extremely plugged into the Browns, so if she says the team has had interest in McDermott before, it’s worth noting. Berry is still in place as the general manager, and he may not want to miss out on McDermott again.
McDermott racked up a 106-58 overall record with the Bills and made it to the AFC Championship Game twice. The coach was never able to get his team to the Super Bowl, though, which ultimately did him in.
Browns fans would be thrilled with a couple of conference championship appearances. McDermott may not have the high ceiling of an unproven coordinator, but he has a very floor and would immediately bring credibility and stability to the turbulent franchise.
Finally, it’s not like the Browns are the only job available. McDermott could be interested in another job, like the Baltimore Ravens or Pittsburgh Steelers, or perhaps could even go back to being a coordinator.
