Sean Michael McDermott (born March 21, 1974) is an American football coach who is the head coach for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He began his NFL coaching career as an assistant for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2001, serving as defensive coordinator from 2009 to 2010, and was later the defensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers from 2011 to 2016. Following his six se
Buffalo Bills[edit]
On January 11, 2017, McDermott was hired by the Buffalo Bills as the 19th head coach in franchise history.[12][13][14][15]
On September 10, 2017, McDermott won his NFL head coaching debut in the season opening 21–12 victory over the New York Jets, becoming just the third Bills head coach to win his first game with the team after Marv Levy and Rex Ryan.[16][17]
Just after a Week 2 loss to the Carolina Panthers, also McDermott's first return to Charlotte since leaving the Panthers organization, McDermott would lead the Bills to 4 wins in the next 5 games, including a win against the reigning NFC champion Atlanta Falcons. However, they lost the next two games, including a 47–10 loss to the New Orleans Saints, which prompted him to make the controversial decision to bench starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor in favor of rookie backup Nathan Peterman. Peterman played poorly against the Los Angeles Chargers in his first career start, throwing 5 interceptions in the first half. He was benched for Taylor during the second half of the 54–24 loss, which dropped the Bills to 5–5.[18]
Despite the string of losses, the Bills then went on a 4–2 run to finish the season at 9–7, clinching the AFC's 6th seed and their first playoff appearance in 18 years, thus ending both the NFL's and the North American professional sports franchise's longest active playoff droughts during McDermott's first year as head coach.[19] The Bills would go on to lose to the Jacksonville Jaguars 10–3 in the AFC wild card game.[20]
The following season, McDermott's Bills finished 6–10 and missed the playoffs, but had a strong finish to the season after a 2–7 start. After suffering blowout losses in four of the first nine games, partly caused by a lack of offensive talent,[21] the Bills adjusted their roster, allowing them to stay competitive in each of the last seven games. Buffalo's defense improved in 2018.[22]
McDermott was nominated for NFL Head Coach of the Year for the 2019 season after leading the Bills to a 10–6 record, receiving their second playoff berth in three seasons as the AFC's #5 seed. The Bills would lose 22–19 to the Houston Texans in overtime during the Wild Card Round.[23]
On August 12, 2020, McDermott signed a contract extension through 2025.[24]
The 2020 season marked many instances of growth and success for McDermott and the Bills. Quarterback Josh Allen developed dramatically, turning into an MVP candidate and leading the Bills to their first AFC East Division Title since 1995, as well as a 13–3 record, tied for second best in the league with the Green Bay Packers and behind the Kansas City Chiefs.[25] They also tied a franchise record for wins previously set in 1990 and 1991. After winning their first division title since 1995, they won their first playoff game in 25 years with a win against the Indianapolis Colts in the Wild Card Round, before defeating the Baltimore Ravens 17–3 for a trip to their first AFC Championship Game in 27 years.[26]
In the AFC Championship, the Bills lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 38–24, ending their 2020 season, and ending the Bills' hopes of returning to the Super Bowl for the first time in 27 years. McDermott was questioned by fans and analysts for his play calling, with criticism specifically aimed at his decision making in regards to attempting field goals instead of touchdowns on a pair of fourth and goal situations. The Bills finished their 2020 season with a cumulative record of 15–4.
Prior to the 2021 season the Bills increased protection on Quarterback Josh Allen by drafting Offensive Lineman Spencer Brown from Northern Iowa. After losing their first game against the Steelers 23-16, the Bills went on a four-game winning streak (including two shutout wins against the Dolphins (35-0) & Texans (40-0). The Bills would continue to dominate their division finishing 5-1, with the only loss coming against the Patriots in a game with 25-35 mph winds. Overall, the Bills would finish 11-6. In the AFC Wildcard matchup they would beat division rival Patriots 47-17. There was much anticipation coming into the AFC divisional matchup - as they would face the Kansas City Chiefs, who they lost to the year prior. In what is regarded the best game of the 2021-2022 season, the Bills would take the lead in that game 36-33 with :13 seconds left in the 4th quarter. Overtime would start after a combined 25 points were scored in the final 1:57 of the game - bringing the score to 36-36. The Chiefs would win the opening OT coin toss & drive down the field to win the game 42-36.