McDermott’s approach brings back memories of Mike McCarthy’s time out of a job as the latter coach devoted himself to learning aspects of the current game in preparation for a return to coaching. He also spent a year coaching before returning in 2020 when he accepted the Cowboys job.
It sounds like McDermott isn’t approaching his time off with the same vigor as McCarthy — who went so far as to assemble a team of trainers to work with him in a barn converted into a training studio — and is instead embracing his new normal, one centered around his family. It’s a proper reset and renewal for a coach who spent the better part of the last decade trying to exorcise Buffalo’s football demons and repeatedly fell short in frustrating, painful fashion.
“When you think about working and being in this business — so competitive, the margins are so thin — and you’re like, hey, I wonder what it would be like one day to be that guy,” he said. “And then, all of a sudden, you’re this guy and you’re like, OK — this is real. But that’s life, right? You go through some normal range of emotions and you turn the corner and you’re like, ‘hey, you know what?’ It’s pretty good. It’s a pretty good opportunity for me, for us as a family, and let’s take advantage of it. That’s where we are as a family right now.”
Eventually, the itch will return, perhaps when McDermott turns on the TV to watch the Bills for the first time in the 2026 season. After all, he has plenty of relationships with individuals still employed by the team, including his former offensive coordinator, new Bills coach Joe Brady.
He’s hoping for the best for Brady, but can’t make any guarantees.
“It’s hard for me to know that — and I would say this about anyone who’s never done the job before, with all due respect to Joe in this case — it’s a completely different job,” McDermott explained. “We can prepare all we want, having gone through it ourselves. But this is a different job than any job that leads to that job.
“Joe’s a very talented coach, he’s a very talented play-caller. Look, what I saw in Joe these four seasons, I think he’s been with us, he’s going to do a good job and I’m looking forward to watching him. I think he knows that and I hope he knows that I’m always here if he needs anything.”
McDermott will keep his phone close while he enjoys his new primary job: Dad. He will enjoy his mornings taking his children to school. “When you’re hard at work, I’m going through the exit line,” he said with the understanding that this won’t last forever.
Before long, he’ll be ready to put on a pair of headphones again. And he will aim to become a better version of himself when that time comes.