What happened: McDermott said he still aims to win a world championship and bring it to an organization and its fan base. He has spent his year away from coaching visiting NFL staffs and studying other operations.
Why it matters: A return would place an experienced defensive coach in the 2027 hiring pool. His next opportunity would carry the weight of sustained success in Buffalo without a Super Bowl appearance.
By the numbers: McDermott went 98-50 across nine regular seasons with Buffalo and reached the playoffs eight times. The Bills advanced to two AFC championship games during his tenure.
What to watch: The 2027 hiring cycle will determine whether a club gives McDermott another chance to lead a contender.