Raiders Seek Stability with Sean McDermott as Potential Head Coach
The Las Vegas Raiders are actively searching for a new head coach following the firing of Pete Carroll after the 2025 season. Despite conducting multiple interviews, the team has yet to settle on a replacement. With the coaching market quickly thinning, the Raiders may find their next leader in former Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott.
McDermott’s Track Record and Leadership
After a nine-year tenure with the Bills, McDermott was let go following a disappointing loss to the Denver Broncos in the 2025 divisional round. Despite the termination, McDermott remains determined to return to a head coaching role in 2026. USA Today’s Jacob Camenker predicts the Raiders will make a strong push for McDermott, citing his proven success as a stabilizing force for any franchise.
McDermott’s ability to lead a team back to prominence is well documented. When he took over the Buffalo Bills in 2017, the franchise had seen only two winning seasons in the previous 13 years. Under McDermott’s leadership, the Bills quickly transformed into a perennial playoff contender.
Success in Buffalo
During his time in Buffalo, McDermott led the team to five AFC East division titles, eight winning seasons, and two AFC Championship Game appearances. With a regular-season record of 98-50, he established himself as one of the NFL’s most reliable head coaches.
Given the Raiders’ current state—a franchise that has suffered four consecutive losing seasons and hasn’t won a playoff game since 2002—McDermott’s expertise could provide the stability the team desperately needs.
Why McDermott is the Right Fit
McDermott would bring much-needed leadership to a Raiders team that has struggled to reach its full potential. His ability to maximize a team’s strengths, particularly on defense, would be key in helping the Raiders return to relevance.
If McDermott is paired with an effective offensive coordinator and helps develop quarterback prospect Fernando Mendoza (likely the No. 1 overall pick in 2026), the Raiders could quickly become a formidable force in the NFL.
