JUST IN: The Bucs reached out to former Bills’ HC Sean McDermott regarding interest in coaching under Todd Bowles next season, per FOX Sports’ Greg Auman 😮

In a surprising twist that has NFL fans buzzing, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made contact with one of the league’s most accomplished defensive minds. According to FOX Sports reporter Greg Auman, the Bucs reached out to former Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott to gauge his interest in joining Todd Bowles’ coaching staff for the upcoming season. While the conversation happened, sources indicate McDermott is leaning heavily toward taking the year off to recharge and evaluate bigger opportunities down the road in 2027.

This development comes at a pivotal moment for the Buccaneers. After a rollercoaster 2025 campaign that ended with an 8-9 record and a late-season collapse—dropping seven of their final nine games—Tampa Bay’s front office has been busy reshaping the coaching staff. Head coach Todd Bowles, known for his defensive expertise, returned for another year but made several changes to his assistants. Notably, Bowles continues to call defensive plays himself, a setup that has drawn both praise and scrutiny over the years.

The team doesn’t employ a traditional defensive coordinator, which makes the idea of adding a high-profile figure like McDermott particularly intriguing.

McDermott, 51, brings a resume that screams proven winner. Over nine seasons with the Bills, he transformed Buffalo from a perennial also-ran into one of the AFC’s most consistent contenders. His defenses were often among the league’s stingiest, built on aggressive schemes, smart personnel usage, and an unrelenting emphasis on discipline. He guided the Bills to multiple playoff appearances, including deep runs that showcased his ability to maximize talent around quarterback Josh Allen. Before Buffalo, McDermott spent years as a defensive coordinator with the Carolina Panthers, where he helped lead them to a Super Bowl appearance.

The connection to Tampa Bay isn’t entirely random. McDermott has ties to the organization dating back a decade—he interviewed for the Buccaneers’ head coaching vacancy in 2016, the job that ultimately went to Dirk Koetter. More intriguingly, he overlapped with current Bucs general manager Jason Licht during their time together with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2003 to 2007. Those shared experiences could have made the outreach feel natural, a low-risk “what if” conversation between familiar faces in a league where relationships often drive hires.

For Bucs fans, the prospect of McDermott on the sideline—even in a supporting role—would have been electric. Imagine the defensive mastermind who once built Buffalo’s feared unit lending his expertise to a Bowles-led group that already boasts talent like Vita Vea, Antoine Winfield Jr., and emerging playmakers. McDermott’s track record of turning average units into elite ones could have addressed some of the inconsistencies that plagued Tampa Bay’s defense late last season. His no-nonsense style might have meshed well with Bowles’ own philosophy, creating a powerhouse tandem on that side of the ball.

Yet, as Auman reported, McDermott appears set on stepping away for 2026. After the emotional toll of his abrupt departure from Buffalo—following a divisional-round overtime loss that ended what many saw as a strong era—he’s reportedly prioritizing time away from the grind. A year off isn’t uncommon for coaches of his caliber; it allows reflection, family time, and positioning for prime head-coaching vacancies in the next cycle.

Many around the league view McDermott as a “smart coach not expected to be available late in the process,” meaning if he returns in 2027, he’ll likely field serious interest for top jobs rather than assistant roles.

This isn’t the first time a fired head coach has drawn quick interest as an assistant. The NFL coaching carousel moves fast, and teams like the Bucs are wise to cast wide nets. But McDermott’s decision to pass underscores his long-term value. He’s not rushing back into the fray—he’s betting on himself and the market. For Tampa Bay, it means continuing their search for defensive reinforcements elsewhere, perhaps targeting rising coordinators or experienced hands willing to work under Bowles’ unique structure.

The bigger picture for the Buccaneers remains urgent. With Baker Mayfield entering a critical contract year and a young core needing direction, 2026 shapes up as a prove-it season for Bowles and the staff. Adding a name like McDermott would have signaled bold ambition, a willingness to pair veteran savvy with existing strengths. Instead, the team will move forward without him, at least for now.

Still, the outreach itself speaks volumes. It shows the respect McDermott commands across the league and hints at Tampa Bay’s desire to upgrade in meaningful ways. Whether McDermott reconsiders or emerges as a head-coaching candidate elsewhere in the coming years, this brief connection adds another layer to an already fascinating offseason storyline.

For now, Bucs fans can only wonder “what if.” A defensive guru joining one of the league’s most respected defensive minds? It sounded perfect on paper. But as McDermott charts his own path—likely toward another head-coaching opportunity—the Buccaneers turn their attention to the next name on the list. The pursuit of excellence never stops in the NFL, and Tampa Bay remains firmly in the hunt.