Sean McDermott’s offseason moves are starting to smell like a perfectly charred Buffalo wing—crispy, calculated, and just spicy enough to keep fans leaning in. The Bills’ head coach, known for his defensive wizardry, is shuffling his coaching deck like a blackjack pro at a Vegas table. But while the spotlight’s on new faces, whispers about a veteran’s fading role linger like halftime nacho cheese stains.

On Monday, the Bills dropped a bombshell: four coaching hires headlined by Chris Tabor as special teams coordinator. Tabor, a 15-year NFL vet, replaces Matthew Smiley after a year away from the league. He’s joined by Ryan Nielsen (senior defensive assistant), Jason Rebrovich (assistant defensive line), and Mike Pellegrino (nickels coach). Let’s have a look at their résumé.

Nielsen, fresh off coordinating Jacksonville’s defense, brings a résumé that includes top-10 sack rankings in New Orleans. Rebrovich, a Western New York native, returns after boosting Green Bay’s pass rush (45 sacks in 2024). Pellegrino, a former pro lacrosse player, adds AFC East rivalry spice from his Patriots days. Besides, a new defensive vision is shaking up the sidelines…

Tabor’s hire feels like a fourth-down gamble paying off. McDermott praised his “veteran experience,” a nod to his interim HC stint in Carolina and special teams success in Chicago and Cleveland. “Tabes has been usually tied up, as many of these good veteran coaches are. This year, him being out this past season coming off of his time at Carolina offered me an opportunity to interview him, spend some time with him, and then make the hire,” McDermott said, grinning at landing a coach who’s “had a lot of success.” Translation?

Buffalo’s special teams—25th (per FTNfantasy) in 2024—need a jolt. Hence, Nielsen’s arrival is the real head-turner. His Saints defenses ranked top 10 in sacks yearly (2017-22), and Atlanta’s line thrived under his watch. For a Bills squad that ranked 18th (per StatMuse) in sacks (39), his presence screams fix this. Meanwhile…

Rebrovich, who helped mold Rashan Gary in Green Bay, now gets Von Miller and Greg Rousseau as projects. Pellegrino? He’s the wildcard—a lacrosse-turned-gridiron guru who coached All-Pro Christian Gonzalez. But behind the fresh hires, a storm brews.

McDermott’s balancing act with Von Miller

Von Miller’s $23.8 million cap hit looms like a blizzard over Lake Erie. Sean McDermott’s Monday presser dripped with non-committal praise: “Love Von. Von, I think people sometimes forget came in and had success early, and then he went through the knee situation.” But he didn’t stop there.

McDermott added, “Mentally, he’s just so elite. To come off a knee injury, particularly when you’re 30-plus, is a challenge. I thought this year was a lot better than the year before, and that’s really what you want to see.” But the 36-year-old pass rusher, who had six sacks in 2024, might need another pay cut to stay. Meanwhile, Miller’s agent is likely sweating harder than a tailgater in July.

Stat check:

• Von Miller’s 2024: 17 tackles, 6 sacks, 8 QB hits.
• Nielsen’s Saints: Top 10 in sacks every year (2017-22).
• Rebrovich’s Packers: 8th in sacks (45) in 2024.

The Bills’ chess match continues at the NFL Combine, where McDermott’s eyeing “drive and determination” in prospects. Meanwhile, Miller’s future dangles like a Hail Mary. If he stays, it’ll be on Buffalo’s terms. Perhaps a reduced role, a mentor tag, and a chase for that elusive third ring.

As the Buffalo faithful chant for another Super Bowl run, Sean McDermott’s balancing act between old and new mirrors a classic NFL truth: Sentimentality fades faster than a halftime lead. Or as The Godfather’s Michael Corleone put it, “It’s not personal, Sonny. It’s strictly business.”