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The Buffalo Bills have sacked coach Sean McDermott after a play-off defeat by the Denver Broncos.
McDermott, 51, was the Bills’ coach for nine seasons but despite having star quarterback Josh Allen and winning the AFC East on five occasions was unable to reach a Super Bowl.
Allen had a chance to clinch victory in overtime at the weekend but his fourth turnover of Saturday’s Divisional Round game allowed the Broncos to kick a field goal and win 33-30.
“Sean helped change the mindset of this organisation and was instrumental in the Bills becoming a perennial play-off team,” said owner Terry Pegula.
“But I feel we are in need of a new structure to give this organisation the best opportuunity to take our team to the next level.”
McDermott is the eighth NFL head coach to leave their position this month. Buffalo are the first NFL team to win a play-off round in seven consecutive seasons but not reach the Super Bowl.
The LA Rams travel to divisional rivals Seattle for the NFC Championship game next Sunday, while New England will visit the Denver Broncos in the AFC equivalent.
The winners will play in Super Bowl 60 on Sunday, 8 February at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
