Why Mike Tomlin will not coach the Buffalo Bills after Sean McDermott’s firing?

Mike Tomlin will not become the next head coach of the Buffalo Bills, even after the team fired Sean McDermott on January 19, 2026, in Buffalo, New York. The decision came just two days after the Bills lost 33–30 in overtime to the Denver Broncos in the NFL Divisional Round on January 17, 2026. The loss ended another season that began with Super Bowl hopes but finished in heartbreak.As soon as the firing became public, fans and media voices quickly linked Mike Tomlin to the open job. The idea spread because Tomlin is one of the most respected coaches in the league, and Buffalo has a franchise quarterback in Josh Allen. But that talk did not last long. Tomlin has already said he plans to step away from coaching for the entire 2026 season and will not be on any NFL sideline next year.Sean Patrick McDermott, who had been the Buffalo Bills’ head coach since 2017, was dismissed on January 19, 2026, after another playoff exit. During his time in Buffalo, McDermott helped turn the Bills into regular contenders and guided the team to multiple postseason runs. He finished his Bills career with a strong regular-season record and several playoff appearances, but he never led Buffalo to a Super Bowl.Even though Sean McDermott and Mike Tomlin both attended the College of William & Mary and share a long connection, that link will not bring Tomlin to Buffalo. NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport reported on January 19, 2026, that Tomlin plans to take the entire 2026 season away from coaching and is not expected to accept any head coaching job.Tomlin stepped down from the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 13, 2026, after 19 seasons with the team. He leaves with a Super Bowl victory from the 2008 season, many winning years, and a reputation for steady leadership. However, deep playoff runs became harder to find in recent seasons, and Tomlin chose to pause his coaching career.There is also a business side that makes a Buffalo move unrealistic. The Pittsburgh Steelers still control Tomlin’s coaching rights through the 2026 season. If any NFL team wanted to hire him before that contract ends, it would have to trade draft picks to Pittsburgh. With Tomlin not interested in coaching this year, that situation is not expected to develop. Now the Buffalo Bills must fully focus on finding a new leader. Early names around the league include Joe Brady, Brian Daboll, and other offensive-minded coaches who could help Josh Allen reach the Super Bowl stage. The search is just beginning, but one thing is already clear that Mike Tomlin will not be the man on the Buffalo sideline.