How Much Will The Buffalo Bills Owe Sean McDermott After Firing Him?

Heading into the playoffs, the AFC appeared to be wide open. The Denver Broncos and New England Patriots had put together excellent seasons, but they had young, unproven quarterbacks. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans were both good stories and riding winning streaks into the postseason, though they still sometimes looked shaky. The Los Angeles Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers had their issues, as well. Among all the AFC playoff teams, it seemed like this was finally the year the Buffalo Bills could break through. No Patrick Mahomes. No Lamar Jackson. No Joe Burrow. Sure, Buffalo would have to win every playoff game on the road, but the Super Bowl seemed within their grasp.

Buffalo started its postseason run off with a thrilling come-from-behind victory in the Wild Card round against the Jaguars. And it looked like the team might manage another comeback against the top-seeded Broncos, but the Bills couldn't overcome five turnovers from Josh Allen and company and lost 33-30 in overtime.

Bills head coach Sean McDermott gave a passionate plea to the league after his team's loss, "standing up for Buffalo" and expressing his disappointment over an interception call made during overtime. Despite McDermott's remarks, the Bills decided to move on and fired the coach after nine seasons. McDermott ends his tenure with a 98-50 record and nine playoff appearances, including two AFC Championship Games.

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However, the Bills could never get over the hump and reach a Super Bowl. That ultimately cost McDermott his job. It will cost the Bills a bit of money, too.

McDermott still had two years remaining on his contract, which was worth about $8 million per season. Unless the Bills privately negotiated a buyout package, the team will still owe McDermott around $16 million as part of that deal.

McDermott became the tenth coach fired this season, an NFL record. A couple of those coaches have already found new homes, and McDermott should be a top candidate for some of the other teams still looking. If he signs elsewhere, his new team might foot some or all of the Bills' bill.

Meanwhile, Buffalo hopes a change in head coach will rejuvenate the Bills for next season. After all, there are only so many heartbreaking defeats a team can take in the playoffs.