BREAKING: Bills Confirm Firing of Special Teams Coach After NFL Season
The Buffalo Bills finished the season with a 15-5 record, including playoff wins over the Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos. Head coach Sean McDermott recently spoke with the media about postseason changes within the organization. In addition to reflecting on the season and assessing prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft, McDermott addressed the decision to fire special teams coach Matthew Smiley. He explained that while it was a tough call, he thoroughly reviewed the game film before making changes, including hiring Chris Tabor as Smiley’s replacement.
“It’s a tough business,” McDermott said, per Alex Brasky. “These decisions aren’t easy, but I took my time to evaluate the position and determine where we need to go. Matthew Smiley is a great person and coach, and I’m incredibly grateful for him and his family.”
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Smiley had been with the Bills since 2017, initially serving as assistant special teams coordinator before being promoted to the lead role from 2022 to 2024.
Tabor, who now steps in as special teams coordinator, has previously worked with the Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, and Cleveland Browns. While he was not on a coaching staff in 2024, his most recent position was in 2023 with the Panthers, where he served as both interim head coach and special teams coordinator.