Buffalo Bills have not ruled out Sean McDermott calling defense in 2023

The Buffalo Bills announced a big shake-up on their coaching staff for the upcoming season with defensive coordinator and assistant head coach Leslie Frazier stepping away for the 2023 season. Leslie Frazier was one of the first hires for Sean McDermott when he was named head coach of the Buffalo Bills and has been on the staff since 2017.

He has been a key reason for their success on the defensive side of the ball over the years. This past season, the Bills finished sixth in the league in yards allowed (319.1) and second in points allowed (17.9).

The announcement did say that Frazier plans to return to coaching in 2024 but doesn’t say if that return will be in Buffalo. For now, the team must find his replacement for the upcoming season and it appears all options are on the table.

Brandon Beane doesn’t rule out Sean McDermott calling the defensive plays for the Buffalo Bills in 2023

On Tuesday, general manager Brandon Beane spoke with the media in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine and was asked about potential replacements for Frazier. They will explore potential replacements but mentioned he wouldn’t rule out Sean McDermott calling the defensive plays for the upcoming season, according to Alaina Getzenburg with ESPN.

Prior to joining the Buffalo Bills, Sean McDermott was defensive coordinator with the Carolina Panthers as part of Ron Rivera’s staff. He would serve in that role from 2011 to 2016 and prior to that was defensive coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles, taking over for Jim Johnson, in 2009 and 2010.

The biggest challenge for the Buffalo Bills is that the coaching hire cycle at this point of the year is largely complete as teams have their coaching staff in place. It might make sense for McDermott to take over play-calling for this year, especially if the expectation is for Leslie Frazier to return next season.