The Buffalo Bills will make major changes in 2026 after firing Sean McDermott, just two days after being eliminated by the Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round. Many fans are reacting positively to the dismissal on social media, believing that this is the moment for the Bills to take a new step toward reaching the Super Bowl.
Sean McDermott’s Dismissal Left The Buffalo Bills Roster Surprised
Several players have expressed shock and confusion about the franchise’s decision, highlighting a divide between public perception and team sentiment.
Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reported players were surprised by McDermott’s firing, especially after he supported them in his final press conference while criticizing referees. Wolfe did not reveal the names of players who reportedly expressed their surprise to sources about McDermott’s dismissal.
However, one player sent a message containing only the acronym “WTF,” clearly indicating shock and dissatisfaction among the players.
Talked to 3 Bills players this morning who are just learning news HC Sean McDermott was fired after we all did. They were all shocked.
One text, “WTF.”
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) January 19, 2026
When the Bills’ decision was made official, players began to express themselves indirectly on social media. Safety Damar Hamlin posted a broken-heart emoji. While Taron Johnson posted a story on Instagram with only “Smh” written on it.
Taron Johnson IG stories:
‘Smh’#BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/st96MlOS91
— Dan Fetes (@danfetes) January 19, 2026
Moreover, the strongest reaction came from defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, who called the Bills’ decision “stupid” and said that McDermott was the best coach he had ever worked with.
Star offensive tackle Dion Dawkins also posted a lengthy message to share how impactful McDermott’s presence was in Buffalo.
True leader amongst a world full of alphas’s , Honored and Truly Best to learn under our Time. McDeezzyyyy You Are Truly One Of them Ones. 💔 Until The Grass Meets us Again #YouAlreadyShnow pic.twitter.com/GAMqreeilo
— Dion Dawkins (@DDawkins66) January 19, 2026
Further reflecting the team’s shaken morale, content creator Dan Fetes said he also received a message from a player about McDermott’s dismissal, with the words “I’m shook,” a sentiment that resonated with many Bills fans, regardless of their views on the firing.
Message from a #Bills player I reached out to about Sean McDermott being fired:
“I’m shook.”#BillsMafia @BuffaloPlus
— Dan Fetes (@danfetes) January 19, 2026
In addition to current players, former Buffalo players also responded to McDermott’s departure on social media. Isaiah McKenzie (a wide receiver currently with the Indianapolis Colts) posted two images alongside the head coach, captioned “Thank you.”
Eric Wood (former Pro Bowl center) also wrote a few words of gratitude and stated that McDermott will soon find another organization, pointing the finger at the Bills’ management for the decision.
Sean McDermott was an incredible hire for the Bills when he took over in 2017. I’m grateful for all he did for the organization. Sean is a great man and will be a great hire for another organization and I hate we couldn’t get over the hump with him as HC in Buffalo.
— Eric Wood (@EWood70) January 19, 2026
Finally, LeSean Shady McCoy (former running back) pointed the finger at general manager Brandon Beane, who will lead the search for a new head coach in the coming days, indicating a focus on the organization’s leadership moving forward.
