NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
The surprising firing of Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott has many people speculating about who will take the job in Western New York.
A former Bills leader on the sidelines knows who he thinks should get the job. In fact, it’s the only hire that makes sense to him.
Rex Ryan, who spent two years as the Bills’ head coach, believes this is the perfect job for Bill Belichick to return to the NFL.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
ESPN analyst Rex Ryan and auctioneer Pat Tully help raise money on stage during the 5th Annual Save the Children Illumination Gala at the American Museum of Natural History on October 18, 2017 in New York City. (Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
“Find the guy who has proven he can go to the Super Bowl,” Ryan said on ESPN’s “Get Up.”
“He’s the only guy, in my opinion, that you replace Sean McDermott with.”
Ryan knows all about Belichick given his time in the AFC East as coach of the Bills and New York Jets before that.
SEAN MCDERMOTT, BILLS FIRE HEAD COACH
He even added that Brian Daboll, who was reportedly considered a favorite for the head coaching job, should return to work in his old role as offensive coordinator in Buffalo under Belichick.
Belichick, however, insisted he would stay in college football despite a rollercoaster first season in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels went 4-8, including 2-6 in the ACC, last season.
Belichick was previously linked to the New York Giants job following Daboll’s midseason firing, but he released a statement about his commitment to UNC.
“I have great respect and sincere care for the New York Giants organization and the Mara and Tisch families,” he wrote in November. “The New York Giants have played an important role in my life and my coaching journey.
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick leads his team during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Charlotte in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. (Nell Redmond/AP Photo)
“It has been my privilege to work for the Mara family and be a member of Coach Parcells’ staff for over a decade. However, despite rumors circulating, I have not and will not pursue any vacant head coaching position in the NFL.
“Since arriving in Chapel Hill, my commitment to the UNC football program has not changed. [wavered]. We have tremendous support from the university, our alumni, and the entire Caroline community. My focus remains solely on continuing to improve this team, develop our players and build a program that makes Tar Heel fans proud. »
Would Belichick consider returning to the NFL if it meant working with 2024 NFL MVP Josh Allen in Buffalo? It’s an enticing job with a rabid fan base craving that first Super Bowl in franchise history.
The Bills will begin their head coaching search immediately, as general manager Brandon Beane will remain in place and lead the way in the search for the next guy.
Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels smiles during warmups before their game against the Duke Blue Devils at Kenan Memorial Stadium on November 22, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
McDermott has been able to reach the Super Bowl in recent seasons, but the Bills have failed to get past Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, losing to them twice in the AFC Championship Game in 2020 and 2024.
Buffalo has made the playoffs the last seven seasons, all under McDermott. He leaves the Bills with a career coaching record of 98-50 from 2017-25.
