Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott is expected to return to the sideline this week after missing the team’s Week 8 victory over the Seattle Seahawks due to a personal matter, according to multiple verified reports confirmed by the organization.
The Bills announced McDermott’s absence prior to their 31-10 win at Highmark Stadium, stating only that he was addressing a “private family issue” and would be back “as soon as possible.” General Manager Brandon Beane addressed reporters after the game, confirming the coach’s return was imminent but declining to offer specifics out of respect for McDermott’s privacy.
“Sean is in good spirits and eager to secure back to work,” Beane said during his postgame press conference. “He’s been in constant contact with the staff and players throughout the week. We’re all looking forward to having him back on the sideline where he belongs.”
Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier served as acting head coach in McDermott’s absence, guiding Buffalo to a dominant performance that improved their record to 5-3. The defense held Seattle to just 206 total yards and forced three turnovers, including two interceptions by rookie cornerback Christian Benford.
McDermott, in his eighth season with the Bills, has compiled a 69-43 regular-season record (.616 winning percentage) and led Buffalo to four consecutive AFC East titles from 2020 to 2023. His teams have posted a 5-4 record in playoff games during his tenure, including an AFC Championship appearance in the 2020 season.
The timing of his return is particularly significant as Buffalo prepares to face the 6-2 New England Patriots in Week 9 at Gillette Stadium — a divisional matchup with playoff implications in the tightly contested AFC East. The Patriots enter the game on a three-game winning streak and have allowed just 16.3 points per game over their last four outings.
“We know how important this game is,” said quarterback Josh Allen, who completed 22 of 28 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns against Seattle. “Having Coach back will mean a lot to this team. He’s the heart and soul of what we’re trying to build here.”
McDermott’s leadership style emphasizes accountability, preparation and cultural continuity — principles he has consistently reinforced since taking over in 2017. His absence last week marked only the second time he has missed a game due to non-medical reasons since becoming head coach. the first occurred in 2021 when he attended to a family matter during the team’s bye week.
Team sources indicate that McDermott remained actively involved in game planning and player communications throughout the Seahawks prep week, participating in virtual meetings and reviewing film remotely. His return to the sideline will restore the usual game-day structure, with Frazier resuming his role as defensive coordinator.
The Bills’ upcoming schedule features a critical stretch of games against AFC East rivals and playoff contenders. After New England, Buffalo faces the Indianapolis Colts (Week 10), Kansas City Chiefs (Week 11), and San Francisco 49ers (Week 12) before entering their bye week in Week 14.
“We’ve shown we can win without him on the sideline for a short stretch,” said veteran linebacker Matt Milano. “But there’s no replacing what Sean brings every day — his preparation, his calm under pressure, and the way he connects with every person in this building. We need him back.”
As of Monday morning, the Bills had not issued an official statement confirming McDermott’s return for Week 9, but multiple beat reporters with direct access to the team confirmed his anticipated presence at practice and on the sideline for Sunday’s game in Foxborough.
The NFL season reaches its midpoint this week, with playoff positioning beginning to take shape across both conferences. In the AFC, the Bills currently hold the second seed in the playoff standings behind the 6-2 Kansas City Chiefs, who own the tiebreaker over Buffalo based on conference record.
A victory over New England would not only sweep the season series for Buffalo but also put them in a strong position to claim the division title — a feat that would mark McDermott’s fifth straight AFC East championship, tying the record for most consecutive division titles in Bills history set during their AFL era in the mid-1960s.
For now, the focus remains on getting McDermott back to where he belongs: on the sideline, guiding his team through one of the most important stretches of the season.
Buffalo travels to New England for their Week 9 matchup on Sunday, November 3, with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium. Fans can follow live updates through the Bills’ official channels, and NFL.com.
What are your thoughts on Sean McDermott’s impact and the Bills’ chances against New England this week? Share your predictions in the comments below and spread the conversation on social media.
.jpg)