Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott responds to questions during a news conference after an NFL divisional playoff game against the Denver Broncos, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/RJ Sangosti)

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Sean McDermott arrived in Buffalo in 2017, envisioning the day of looking out his office window and seeing a throng of fans celebrating a Super Bowl victory.

That possibility ended on Monday, when McDermott was abruptly fired by team owner Terry Pegula following a nine-year tenure in which the coach transformed the Bills into perennial contenders but fell short of reaching the Super Bowl.

The move came two days after a heart-wrenching 33-30 overtime loss at Denver in the divisional round of the playoffs.

“Sean helped change the mindset of this organization and was instrumental in the Bills becoming a perennial playoff team,” Pegula said. “But I feel we are in need of a new structure within our leadership to give this organization the best opportunity to take our team to the next level.”

The new structure features general manager Brandon Beane being promoted to president of football operations. Beane will oversee his first coaching search since arriving in Buffalo five months after McDermott, who replaced Rex Ryan following two seasons in Buffalo.

Beane is expected to target an offensive-minded coach to spur an offense in which quarterback Josh Allen was too often asked to carry the burden.

McDermott issued a statement through the NFL Network, in which he thanked the Pegula family, the Bills organization and fans, and referred to Buffalo “as a special place.”

“For nearly a decade I have had the opportunity to wake up every morning as the head coach of the Buffalo Bills, which has truly been a gift,” McDermott said. “God gave me and my family an incredible opportunity, one that we will cherish for the rest of our lives. Yet we know that HE has a plan. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your head coach.”

Dolphins hire Hafley

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins and Jeff Hafley reached an agreement to make the former Boston College head coach and Packers defensive coordinator their coach. A person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press about the agreement on Monday, speaking on condition of anonymity because a contract hadn’t been finalized.

Hafley replaces Mike McDaniel, who was fired after going 35-33 in four seasons. Hafley spent two seasons in Green Bay after a stint as head coach at Boston College.

Seattle RB done

SEATTLE — Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet will miss the remainder of the playoffs with a knee injury that requires surgery, coach Mike Macdonald said in a local radio interview on Monday.

Charbonnet injured his knee during Saturday night’s 41-6 win over the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC divisional round.

“He’s got a significant knee injury, unfortunately,” Macdonald said on Seattle Sports 710 on Monday. “Breaks your heart. He’s going to need surgery, so he’s got a good long road to come back. Our heart goes out to him, prayers go out to Charbs. We love him, man.”

During the regular season, Charbonnet led the Seahawks with 12 rushing touchdowns, as well as added 730 yards.

Come on back

CLEVELAND — Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has a second interview with the Cleveland Browns for their head coaching vacancy.

Schwartz is the first candidate to have a second interview with the team. He was the first to interview for the opening on Jan. 8. Schwartz has led one of the league’s top defenses over the past three seasons. Cleveland led the league in total defense in 2023.

The Browns need a head coach after firing Kevin Stefanski on Jan. 5. Baltimore offensive coordinator Todd Monken is expected to get a second interview today.