'Sickening' McDermott Firing Ripped by Bills' Jordan Phillips in Photo, 'S--t Here Is So Stupid'

The firing of head coach Sean McDermott may not be a universally popular decision within the locker room.

Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips wrote in an Instagram Story that "this s--t here is so stupid honestly sickening" after the team confirmed McDermott's ouster:

Safety Damar Hamlin doesn't appear to be a fan, either:

The point of a front office is to be as rational as possible and execute moves in the best interests of the organization. Sometimes, that means firing head coaches who have a lot of respect within the building.

In the case of McDermott, he guided the Bills to a run of five straight AFC East titles, and they were a playoff team in eight of his nine years at the helm. It's easy to see why Monday's decision would go over like a lead balloon:

That's not to say forcing McDermott out is a mistake, depending on where Buffalo goes next. Nine years without a Super Bowl appearance can't be ignored when six of those came with quarterback Josh Allen playing at an MVP-caliber level.

Phillips' initial reaction nonetheless underlines the delicate position Brandon Beane finds himself in now that he consolidated his power even further.

Beane has to hire a coach and make the necessary improvements to the roster that will get the Bills over the hump. Taking a step backward in 2026 will heap pressure not only on him but also on the person who succeeds McDermott.