Hubbry Logo
Sean McDermottSean McDermottMain
Open search
Sean McDermott
Community hub
Sean McDermott
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Sean McDermott
Sean McDermott
Sean McDermott
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Sean Michael McDermott (born March 21, 1974) is an American professional 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 seasons with the Panthers, which included an appearance in Super Bowl 50, McDermott was hired as the Bills' head coach in 2017.

Key Information

McDermott's head coaching tenure in Buffalo has seen improved fortunes for the franchise, which had been mostly unsuccessful during the 2000s and 2010s. In his first season, he led the Bills to their first playoff appearance since 1999, ending the longest active postseason drought in the four major North American sports. Three years later, McDermott helped the Bills clinch their division and win a playoff game for the first time since 1995 en route to their first AFC Championship Game appearance since 1993. He has led Buffalo to seven playoff appearances, five consecutive division titles, and two AFC Championship Game appearances.

Early years

[edit]

Born in Omaha, Nebraska, McDermott grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs. His family lived in West Chester and Paoli before settling in Lansdale when McDermott was in the second grade.[1] McDermott first attended North Penn High School before transferring to La Salle College High School, where he was named All-Southeastern Pennsylvania at defensive back in 1992 and graduated in 1993.[1] McDermott was also a national prep champion wrestler in 1992 and 1993.

McDermott received a bachelor's degree in finance while at the College of William and Mary, where he was an all-conference safety (1997). McDermott was teammates with future Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, who was a wide receiver and faced McDermott frequently.[2] He also received Academic all-conference honors in 1996 and 1997 and NSCA Strength and Conditioning All-America accolades.[citation needed]

Coaching career

[edit]

Philadelphia Eagles

[edit]

McDermott originally joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 1999 as a scouting administrative coordinator, a position he held until being promoted to Andy Reid's coaching staff in 2001.[3] He became defensive quality control coach and later assistant defensive backs coach. In 2004, McDermott helped replace Steve Spagnuolo by serving as assistant defensive backs coach, as Spagnuolo was assigned the linebackers coach position.[4] That same year, McDermott saw both of his starting safeties (Brian Dawkins and Michael Lewis) earn Pro Bowl berths for the first time in team history.[citation needed] McDermott and the Eagles appeared in Super Bowl XXXIX that season but lost to the New England Patriots, who won their second straight Super Bowl title.[5] Under McDermott's watch, Dawkins went on to earn two more Pro Bowl berths following the 2005 and 2006 seasons.[6]

In 2007, McDermott was assigned linebackers coach, after Spagnuolo had left to take the defensive coordinator job for the New York Giants. On January 28, 2008, Eagles head coach Andy Reid named McDermott as the secondary coach.[7]

On May 18, 2009, McDermott was named the interim defensive coordinator as a result of defensive coordinator Jim Johnson's medical leave of absence. Two months later on July 24, due to the continuing decline of Johnson, the Eagles announced McDermott would take over as full-time defensive coordinator.[8][9][10] Johnson died four days later. Thanks in part to what he learned under Johnson, McDermott would go on to implement a variety of blitzes in his later defensive gameplans.[11]

McDermott was fired as the defensive coordinator on January 15, 2011, after 12 years with the Eagles.[12]

Carolina Panthers

[edit]

McDermott was hired as the defensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers on January 17, 2011.[13] He was reunited with new Panthers head coach Ron Rivera, a former Eagles assistant whom McDermott served alongside from 1999 to 2003.[14] McDermott was Pro Football Focus's second runner up to their Defensive Coordinator of the Year award in 2015.[15]

As the Panthers' defensive coordinator, McDermott led the team to finishes in the top ten in overall defense from 2012 to 2015.[16][17][18][19]

In the 2015 season, McDermott and the Panthers reached Super Bowl 50, which was played on February 7, 2016. His defense only gave up one offensive touchdown in the game, but the Panthers lost to the Denver Broncos by a score of 24–10.[20]

Buffalo Bills

[edit]

On January 11, 2017, McDermott was hired by the Buffalo Bills as the 19th head coach in franchise history.[21][22][23][24]

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.[25][26]

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 four wins in the next five games, including a victory over 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 five 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.[27]

Despite the string of losses, the Bills then went on a 4–2 run to finish the season at 9–7, clinching the #6-seed in the AFC 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.[28] The Bills would go on to lose to the Jacksonville Jaguars 10–3 in the AFC Wild Card game.[29]

In 2018, 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,[30] the Bills adjusted their roster, allowing them to stay competitive in each of the last seven games. Buffalo's defense improved in 2018. To date, the 2018 season is McDermott's only losing season as a head coach.[31]

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 #5-seed in the AFC. The Bills would lose 22–19 to the Houston Texans in overtime during the Wild Card Round despite a 16–0 third quarter lead.[32]

On August 12, 2020, McDermott signed a contract extension through 2025.[33] 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.[34] 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.[35]

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.[36] 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.[37]

Prior to the 2021 season, the Bills increased protection for Allen by drafting offensive tackle Spencer Brown from Northern Iowa. After losing the season opener verus Pittsburgh 23–16, the Bills went on a four–game winning streak, including a 35–0 shutout against Miami and a 40–0 shutout over Houston. The Bills had a record of 5–1 within the division, with the sole loss to New England having taken place during particularly poor weather—wind gusts nearby were measured at over 55 miles per hour. Overall, the Bills would finish 11–6. In the AFC Wild Card game, they beat the Patriots 47–17 in a 'perfect' offensive performance, with each Buffalo possession ending in either a touchdown or kneeling to end the period. There was much anticipation going into the next round, as they would be once again be facing the Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes. The game was hailed as one of the greatest modern NFL playoff games, with some commentators initially proclaiming it not only as the best playoff game in history, but one of the greatest games ever played,[38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45] a high-scoring shootout between Allen and Mahomes reaching its climax in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter, where a combined 25 points were scored. The Bills had emerged from the fracas with 13 seconds left in regulation and a 36–33 lead. However, Buffalo's defense would not hold, and Kansas City was able to score a field goal to tie the game 36–36 as time expired. The Chiefs then won the coin toss for possession to begin overtime, and ultimately scored a touchdown on the resulting drive to win the game 42–36.[46] After the season, partially in reaction to this result—given Buffalo's offense was not given a chance to participate in the overtime period—the NFL changed their postseason rules to guarantee both teams a possession of the ball, even if the opening drive results in a touchdown.[47]

In the 2022 season, McDermott led the Bills to a 13–3 record and a first-place finish in the AFC East.[48] The Bills did not play 17 games in 2022 due to the Damar Hamlin incident in Week 17, which McDermott got praise for helping cancel.[49][50] The Bills won the Wild Card Round against the Miami Dolphins 34–31.[51] The Bills' season ended in the Divisional Round with a 27–10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.[52] Following Leslie Frazier's resignation in February 2023, McDermott assumed play-calling duties on defense for the 2023 season.[53] On June 23, 2023, the Bills announced McDermott's contract had been extended through the 2027 season.[54]

As of the end of the 2023 season, McDermott is second on the Bills' all-time wins list, behind only Marv Levy.[55] In the 2023 season, McDermott led team to a 11–6 record and an AFC East title.[56] Following a Wild Card round win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Bills lost to the Chiefs 27–24 in the Divisional Round.[57][58]

In the 2024 season, McDermott led the Bills to a 13–4 record and another AFC East title.[59] Following wins over the Denver Broncos in the Wild Card Round and the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round, the Bills lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship.[60][61][62]

Controversial comments on the 9/11 terrorist attacks

[edit]

In December 2023, independent journalist Tyler Dunne published an exploratory article into McDermott's time as head coach of the Bills, with multiple critiques from Bills players and Dunne himself. In it, Dunne reported that during a 2019 team meeting, McDermott told the team they needed to work together like "the terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001," whom he cited as a group of people who worked perfectly to orchestrate their plan and began asking questions to the team about the terrorists' tactics.[63] Players reportedly were unsure how to answer McDermott, with one jokingly saying TSA was the biggest difficulty to their plan when he was asked a question about it.[citation needed]

McDermott was widely criticized in the sports media and on social media sites, with some questioning his leadership ability and calling for McDermott to be fired.[64] When asked about it on the day of the article's release, he stated that he "regretted it and apologized to the team soon after for not better communicating [his] point", instead saying he was only using the attack to "emphasize the importance of communication."[65]

Coaching tree

[edit]

Sean McDermott has worked under two head coaches:

Coaches under McDermott who have become NFL or NCAA head coaches:

Head coaching record

[edit]
Team Year Regular season Postseason
Won Lost Ties Win % Finish Won Lost Win % Result
BUF 2017 9 7 0 .563 2nd in AFC East 0 1 .000 Lost to Jacksonville Jaguars in AFC Wild Card Game
BUF 2018 6 10 0 .375 3rd in AFC East — — — —
BUF 2019 10 6 0 .625 2nd in AFC East 0 1 .000 Lost to Houston Texans in AFC Wild Card Game
BUF 2020 13 3 0 .813 1st in AFC East 2 1 .667 Lost to Kansas City Chiefs in AFC Championship Game
BUF 2021 11 6 0 .647 1st in AFC East 1 1 .500 Lost to Kansas City Chiefs in AFC Divisional Game
BUF 2022 13 3 0 .813 1st in AFC East 1 1 .500 Lost to Cincinnati Bengals in AFC Divisional Game
BUF 2023 11 6 0 .647 1st in AFC East 1 1 .500 Lost to Kansas City Chiefs in AFC Divisional Game
BUF 2024 13 4 0 .765 1st in AFC East 2 1 .667 Lost to Kansas City Chiefs in AFC Championship Game
BUF 2025 7 4 0 .636 — — — —
Total 94 49 0 .657 7 7 .500

Personal life

[edit]

McDermott and his wife have two children.[70] He is a devout Christian and has been outspoken on his faith.[71][72]

In 2021, McDermott revealed that he has been treated for skin cancer "several times" since at least 2017.[73]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sean McDermott

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Sean McDermott (born March 21, 1974) is an American football coach who has served as the head coach of the of the (NFL) since January 11, 2017. Under his leadership, the Bills have achieved a regular-season record of 93–48 through the 2025 season, including seven playoff appearances and five division titles through the 2024 season, marking a significant turnaround for the franchise after years of postseason drought. Born in , McDermott grew up in a family with strong athletic ties and attended in , where he excelled as a . He later played and at the , earning a degree in in 1998 while beginning his as a graduate assistant for the Tribe's football team. McDermott's early professional roles included stints at and the before entering the in 2001 as a quality control coach with the . Over the next decade with the Eagles, McDermott rose through the ranks, serving as linebackers coach, running backs coach, and from to 2010, contributing to the team's consistent defensive performances. In 2011, he joined the as , where he orchestrated one of the league's top-ranked defenses over six seasons, including top-10 finishes in points allowed in four of those years and earning widespread recognition for his innovative schemes. His success in Carolina paved the way for his head coaching opportunity with the Bills, where he immediately ended an 18-year playoff absence in his debut 2017 season by guiding the team to an 9–7 record and a wild-card berth. McDermott's tenure in Buffalo has been defined by a culture of resilience and player development, often emphasizing team unity and adaptability—famously encapsulated in his pregame speeches drawing from historical events like the 9/11 attacks to inspire focus and preparation. As of November 20, 2025, with the Bills holding a 7–3 record in the 2025 season, he maintains an undefeated 9–0 mark in games following the team's bye week, the best such streak in history among head coaches. Despite postseason challenges, including two AFC Championship losses, McDermott has solidified his reputation as one of the league's premier defensive minds and a steady leader in rebuilding a perennial contender.

Early life and education

Childhood and high school

Sean McDermott was born on March 21, 1974, in . His family soon relocated to the suburbs of , , initially living in West Chester and Paoli before settling in Lansdale when he was in the second grade. He is the son of Rich McDermott, a former high school and college football coach who worked at institutions including and , and has an older brother, Tim McDermott, who is the President of Major League Soccer's . McDermott attended in Lansdale for his early years before transferring to in , where he graduated in 1993. At La Salle, he emerged as a multi-sport , participating in football, wrestling, and . In football, McDermott starred as a , earning All-Southeastern honors in 1992 while also receiving all-league honorable mention as a . His wrestling achievements were particularly notable; he captured two-time National Prep School championships in 1992 and 1993, achieving an undefeated streak of 75 consecutive matches and earning All-Catholic recognition both years. These experiences in competitive sports, combined with his father's influence, ignited McDermott's early fascination with defensive strategies and the discipline required for team . Following high school, he pursued his athletic and educational interests at the .

College career at William & Mary

McDermott enrolled at the in 1993, where he majored in finance and earned a in 1998. As a walk-on for the team, he played from 1993 to 1997, appearing in all 46 games over four seasons with 26 starts, primarily in his final two years. During his college career, McDermott recorded 322 tackles, 20 passes defended (including four interceptions), three forced fumbles, and six fumble recoveries, contributing to a team record of 32-14. In 1996, McDermott helped the Tribe secure the title and advance to the NCAA Division I-AA quarterfinals, setting a program record with 10 wins that season. He played alongside future NFL head coach , a on the same team. As a senior in 1997, McDermott served as team captain and earned third-team All-Conference honors, along with second-team All-ECAC recognition, while opponents completed just 47.5% of passes against the Tribe's defense. Academically, he received All-Conference honors in 1996 and 1997, and was named a National Strength & Conditioning All-American in spring 1998. Following graduation, McDermott began his coaching career at William & Mary as a defensive in 1998 under Jimmye Laycock, assisting with the team's defensive preparations. This role marked his initial entry into professional coaching, building on his playing experience and leadership on the field.

Coaching career

Early coaching positions

After graduating from the in 1998 with a degree in finance, Sean McDermott immediately transitioned into coaching by joining the Tribe's football staff as a , where he focused on defensive preparations under Jimmye Laycock. In this entry-level role, McDermott contributed to the defensive unit by breaking down film, assisting with practice planning, and emphasizing fundamental techniques such as tackling and coverage alignments, which helped instill a disciplined approach that would influence his later defensive philosophies. Laycock, who had led William & Mary for nearly two decades at that point, mentored McDermott on the importance of player development and building cohesive schemes, drawing from the program's tradition of balanced, fundamentals-driven defense in the Colonial Athletic Association. McDermott's time at William & Mary served as a foundational step, bridging his playing experience as a for the from 1994 to 1997 with professional opportunities. During his year, he worked closely with defensive coordinators to refine zone and man coverage strategies, gaining hands-on experience in adapting schemes to college-level opponents and fostering among players—core elements that shaped his emphasis on preparation and execution. Seeking to advance to the professional ranks, McDermott joined the in late 1998 as a scouting administrative coordinator, a position that marked his entry into the and involved supporting the personnel department with tasks such as managing the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), salary cap compliance, and initial player evaluations. In this administrative role in 1998, he was promoted to assistant to the in 1999, supporting in various operational and coaching duties as the Eagles improved to an 11-5 record and reached the . McDermott assisted with film study and scouting reports, analyzing prospects' defensive traits to aid draft and free-agency decisions, thereby developing an analytical lens on talent assessment that complemented his coaching background. These early experiences honed his understanding of bridging amateur and professional levels, prioritizing discipline and scheme versatility in defensive personnel choices.

Philadelphia Eagles (1999–2010)

Sean McDermott joined the in 1998 as a scouting administrative coordinator, where he assisted with personnel evaluations and administrative tasks during the team's transition under new . He was promoted to assistant to the in 1999, a role he held through 2000. In 2001, he transitioned to defensive , focusing on opponent scouting and defensive installations for two seasons, during which the Eagles posted 12-4 records each year and advanced to the in 2002. His early roles highlighted his analytical skills from pre-NFL scouting experience, aiding in film breakdown and scheme preparation. McDermott's progression into defensive coaching continued as assistant secondary coach in 2003. From 2004 to 2006, he served as assistant defensive backs coach, contributing to a secondary that helped the 2004 Eagles achieve a 13-3 regular-season record, win the NFC Championship, and reach , where they fell to the . In 2007, McDermott was promoted to linebackers coach, overseeing a unit that included Pro Bowler , and in 2008, he returned to the defensive backs role as secondary coach, working with cornerback , who led the with eight interceptions that year. Throughout these positions, he developed key players like safety , a future Hall of Famer whose leadership and performance peaked during McDermott's time coaching the secondary. In 2009, following the death of longtime Jim Johnson, McDermott was elevated to under Reid, a position he held through 2010. His unit in 2009 ranked 19th in total yards allowed (5,137) and third in the with 38 takeaways, including a league-high 25 interceptions, while implementing aggressive press-man coverage and blitz packages that pressured quarterbacks for 44 sacks. The defense also finished second in opponent third-down conversion rate (34.5%), earning McDermott recognition as the 's top by . In 2010, the Eagles' defense maintained a 12th-place ranking in yards allowed (5,235) but struggled with 21st in points allowed (377), amid injuries and inconsistencies, as the team finished 10-6 and lost in the Wild Card round. McDermott's schemes emphasized turnovers and physicality, building on Johnson's legacy while adapting to personnel like Samuel, who recorded six interceptions in 2009. After the 2010 season, McDermott departed the Eagles to pursue a defensive coordinator opportunity with the Carolina Panthers.

Carolina Panthers (2011–2016)

Sean McDermott joined the Carolina Panthers as defensive coordinator on January 18, 2011, shortly after being let go from the same role with the Philadelphia Eagles, reuniting him with new head coach Ron Rivera, who had previously worked with him in Philadelphia. He inherited a young and inexperienced defensive unit that had ranked near the bottom of the league in 2010, allowing 6,398 total yards (28th in the NFL). In his first season, the Panthers defense showed modest improvement but still struggled, surrendering 6,042 yards (28th) and 429 points (27th), while recording 14 interceptions (20th). Under McDermott's guidance, the defense underwent a significant turnaround, emphasizing physicality, , and an aggressive 4-3 scheme focused on generating turnovers and consistent pressure on quarterbacks. By 2012, the unit ranked 10th in total yards allowed (5,329) and improved its takeaway production, though points allowed remained middling at 363 (18th). The peak came in , when McDermott's defense ranked second in both total yards (4,820) and points allowed (241), with 20 interceptions (5th) and a league-leading 60 sacks, a philosophy that prioritized smart aggression and player trust to force errors. This improvement continued into 2014 (10th in yards, 5,437) before a slight dip. The 2015 season marked the height of McDermott's tenure, as the Panthers defense finished second in points allowed (308, 19.3 per game) and sixth in total yards (5,167), leading the with 24 interceptions and ranking first in sacks (47). This elite performance was instrumental in the team's 15-1 regular-season record and NFC Championship victory, propelling them to , where they fell 24-10 to the despite holding them to just 194 yards. McDermott's player development played a key role, notably with linebacker , whom he coached to the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year award after a league-leading 156 tackles, and veteran linebacker Thomas Davis, whose resilience and leadership anchored the front seven in implementing the Rivera-McDermott scheme of physical, turnover-forcing play. Following a 6-10 season in 2016, where the defense regressed to 21st in yards allowed (5,756) and 26th in points (402) amid injuries and inconsistency, McDermott departed the Panthers to become of the .

Buffalo Bills (2017–present)

On January 11, 2017, following the midseason dismissal of , the hired Sean McDermott as their 20th in franchise history, signing him to a multiyear contract. McDermott, who had spent the previous six seasons as for the , brought a focus on building a strong defensive identity and fostering team culture to a franchise mired in mediocrity. In June 2023, the Bills extended McDermott's contract through the 2027 season, rewarding his role in the team's resurgence alongside general manager . McDermott's first season marked an immediate turnaround, as the Bills finished with a 9-7 record and secured a wild card playoff berth—their first postseason appearance since 1999, ending a 17-year . This success laid the foundation for sustained contention, with the team capturing five consecutive division titles from 2020 to 2024, breaking the ' prior streak of 11 straight crowns. Under McDermott, Buffalo advanced to the twice, falling to the in 2020 (38-24) and again in 2024 (32-29). The 2024 campaign highlighted this progress, with a 13-4 regular-season record, a wild card victory over the (31-7), and a divisional round win against the (27-25). As of November 20, 2025, the Bills hold a 7-3 record in the ongoing 2025 season, positioning them strongly for another playoff push in the . Since November 8, the Bills lost to the (30-13) in Week 10 but defeated the (44-32) in Week 11. McDermott's coaching philosophy emphasizes defensive fundamentals—rooted in his extensive experience as a —while promoting player empowerment and accountability to maximize performance. He has cultivated a deep connection with the passionate fanbase known as "Bills Mafia," integrating their energetic support into team motivation and rituals to build resilience and unity. A notable controversy arose from a 2019 training camp team meeting, where McDermott referenced the hijackers' unity and execution as an example for team cohesion, drawing from Osama bin Laden's tactics; the remarks, intended to illustrate focus, were revealed in a December 2023 report and prompted widespread criticism. McDermott issued an immediate apology to his players at the time and reiterated his regret publicly, stating, "Not only was 9/11 a horrific event in our country’s history, but a day of unimaginable loss for so many families," emphasizing it was a miscommunication. Key to McDermott's tenure have been strategic hires, including Brandon Beane, appointed on May 9, 2017, to oversee personnel and align with McDermott's vision for roster construction. On the coaching staff, Brian Daboll (2018–2021) played a pivotal role in developing quarterback and elevating the offense from the league's lower ranks to a top unit. These partnerships have transformed the Bills from perennial also-rans into consistent contenders.

Head coaching record

Regular season record

Sean McDermott has compiled a record of 93–48 (.655) as of the from 2017 through the ongoing 2025 season. The following table summarizes his year-by-year performance:
SeasonGamesWinsLossesTiesWin %Finish
201716970.5632nd ()
2018166100.3753rd ()
2019161060.6252nd ()
2020161330.8131st ()
2021171160.6471st ()
2022171330.8131st ()
2023171160.6471st ()
2024171340.7651st ()
202510730.7002nd (, ongoing)
Total14293480.655
Under McDermott, the Bills secured five consecutive division titles from 2020 to 2024.

Playoff record

Sean McDermott has compiled a playoff record of 7 wins and 7 losses (.500 winning percentage) as head coach of the through the 2024 season. Under his leadership, the Bills have made the in seven of his eight seasons, with appearances in and consecutively from to 2024, ending a 17-year postseason for the franchise in his debut year. McDermott's postseason tenure began with a Wild Card loss in 2017 but has shown progressive depth in subsequent years, including reaching the twice—in 2020 and 2024—highlighting improved performance in extended playoff runs despite consistent challenges against elite opponents like the . The Bills have secured all seven of their playoff victories at home, demonstrating strength in Highmark Stadium environments, while going 0-4 on the road. The following table summarizes the Bills' playoff games under McDermott:
YearOpponentRoundResultScore
2017Wild CardLoss3–10
2019Houston TexansWild CardLoss19–22 (OT)
2020Wild CardWin27–24 (OT)
2020DivisionalWin17–3
2020[Kansas City Chiefs](/page/Kansas_City Chiefs)AFC ChampionshipLoss24–38
2021Wild CardWin47–17
2021[Kansas City Chiefs](/page/Kansas_City Chiefs)DivisionalLoss36–42 (OT)
2022Wild CardWin34–31
2022DivisionalLoss10–27
2023Wild CardWin31–17
2023[Kansas City Chiefs](/page/Kansas_City Chiefs)DivisionalLoss24–27 (OT)
2024Wild CardWin31–7
2024DivisionalWin27–25
2024[Kansas City Chiefs](/page/Kansas_City Chiefs)AFC ChampionshipLoss29–32

Coaching tree

Notable assistants

Under Sean McDermott's with the , several assistants have advanced in their coaching careers, reflecting his emphasis on developing talent through collaborative scheme design and principles. McDermott, who hired his initial staff in , has prioritized promoting from within and providing opportunities for growth, often crediting his own experiences under mentors like for shaping this approach. Among the offensive coordinators, served from 2018 to 2021, during which he helped transform into an MVP-caliber player by implementing a balanced, aggressive scheme that ranked the Bills' offense in the top 10 for scoring multiple seasons. McDermott hired Daboll, a native, to instill discipline and innovation, and publicly supported his pursuit of head coaching roles, leading to Daboll's appointment as head coach in 2022. Ken Dorsey succeeded Daboll as from 2022 to 2023, focusing on development and play-action concepts that maintained the unit's explosiveness despite injuries. Dorsey, who joined the Bills in 2019 as quarterbacks coach, collaborated closely with McDermott on offensive balance before his midseason dismissal in 2023; he later served as for the in 2024. On defense, was from 2017 to 2022, partnering with McDermott to build one of the NFL's top units, including top-two rankings in points allowed in 2019, 2020, and 2022 through a versatile 4-3 scheme emphasizing turnovers and coverage. Frazier, a veteran coordinator, was elevated to assistant head coach in 2020 under McDermott and stepped away for personal reasons in 2023 before joining the as assistant head coach in 2024. Eric Washington handled duties in 2023 while serving as assistant and defensive line coach, contributing to a defense that ranked seventh in sacks despite personnel losses; his prior collaboration with McDermott in Carolina informed the transition after Frazier's departure. Washington, promoted by McDermott that year, left for the as in 2024. Bobby Babich, promoted to in 2024 after serving as linebackers coach since 2021, has called plays under McDermott's guidance, maintaining the defense's aggressive identity with innovative blitz packages. Babich, who joined the Bills in 2017 as an assistant defensive backs coach, credits McDermott as a key mentor in his progression. Other key staff include , who has coached running backs and served as run game coordinator since McDermott's arrival, emphasizing physicality in the ground attack that supported the Bills' top-five rushing efficiency in recent years. Special teams coordinator Matt Smiley, who joined as assistant in and was promoted in , focused on coverage units that limited return yards, though the group faced challenges in 2024 leading to his departure in February . McDermott's development philosophy centers on in and scheme , fostering a culture of continuous learning that has extended to a player-coach pipeline. This approach has positioned McDermott's staff as a broader influence in NFL coaching circles.

Head coaches developed

Sean McDermott's coaching tenure with the has produced two assistants who advanced to NFL head coaching positions. served as the Bills' from 2018 to 2021, where he developed an explosive offense led by , before being hired as of the in 2022. Under Daboll, the Giants achieved a 9-7-1 record in 2022, earning a playoff berth and a wild-card victory, though the team struggled subsequently with a cumulative 20-40-1 regular-season mark through his dismissal in November 2025. , who coached the Bills' from 2017 to 2018, became of the Texans in 2021, posting a 4-13 record in his lone season amid significant roster challenges, including the absence of . Other members of McDermott's staff have garnered head coaching consideration without securing the roles. Leslie Frazier, the Bills' from 2017 to 2022, was a finalist for several vacancies, including the 2021 Texans position, and expressed intent to pursue head coaching opportunities in 2024 after a year and interviewed for the head coaching position in January 2025. Emerging Bobby Babich, promoted to the role in 2024 after serving as linebackers coach, has been viewed as a rising candidate for head coaching positions in upcoming cycles, including the 2026 hiring cycle, due to his contributions to Buffalo's top-ranked defenses. McDermott's coaching tree reflects his emphasis on fostering a strong , which influences hires and extends to second-generation coaches through principles of and player development. Assistants from his staff have prioritized similar cultural elements in their own programs, contributing to a broader impact in the . With two direct head coaches developed since 2017, McDermott's tree lags behind mentors like , whose extensive network has produced over a dozen head coaches, including McDermott himself, highlighting Reid's longer tenure and wider influence. Overall, McDermott's protégés have compiled a 24-53-1 regular-season record and 1-1 playoff mark as head coaches.

Personal life

Family

Sean McDermott is married to Jamie McDermott, whom he met while attending La Salle College High School in Pennsylvania. The couple wed in 1999 and have maintained a strong partnership throughout McDermott's coaching career, which has involved multiple relocations across the United States. McDermott and his wife have three children: daughters Maddie and Kelly, and son Gavin, all born in the early 2010s. The family prioritizes privacy, with limited public details about the children, though McDermott has occasionally referenced their support in interviews. In 2017, the McDermotts relocated to the Buffalo area following his appointment as head coach of the , settling in . has been actively involved in community events alongside her husband, including visits to local health facilities and charitable initiatives tied to the Bills organization. To balance the intense demands of coaching, McDermott has emphasized family time, such as prioritizing evenings and weekends at home when possible, crediting his wife's role in managing household responsibilities. Their Christian has guided these family values, fostering a supportive home environment amid professional challenges.

Faith and health issues

Sean McDermott is a devout Christian who has been outspoken about the role of his in his and . He credits for guiding his path to the and views his coaching position as an opportunity to glorify through his actions and example. McDermott has participated in discussions with the (FCA), including a video chat on "FCA Sports Talk" where he emphasized 's importance in balancing the pressures of coaching. He openly preaches the gospel during team meetings, integrating Christian principles into his approach to team motivation and resilience. McDermott's faith has served as a motivator during challenging periods, such as the 6–10 campaign in 2018 and subsequent postseason challenges, where he maintained belief in a divine purpose for the team's struggles and roster assembly. He prepares spiritually through early morning quiet time and fellowship groups, which help him lead with purpose amid adversity. In terms of health, McDermott has battled non-melanoma s, including and diagnosed multiple times since at least 2017. He underwent on his nose in 2017 to remove a and has received treatments for additional spots on his head, neck, ears, arms, hands, and legs. His family history includes his grandfather's battle, which prompted early dermatologist visits encouraged by his parents. McDermott's wife, , has provided emotional support throughout, viewing the challenges as part of his life's path. McDermott has shared his health experiences publicly to inspire resilience among his players and fans, emphasizing early detection and the curability of skin cancer when caught promptly. He models preventive behaviors during team practices, such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, to encourage similar habits. His advocacy extends to NFL initiatives, including the 2021 Crucial Catch campaign where he connected with patients and promoted awareness, and partnerships like the 2022 Wegmans collaboration that donated up to $50,000 to cancer support organizations while offering sunscreen education at Bills events. McDermott also designed custom cleats for the NFL's "My Cause, My Cleats" initiative in 2020 to honor mentors affected by skin cancer. In August 2025, McDermott opened up about his skin cancer experiences on an episode of HBO's Hard Knocks, discussing his 2017 surgery—influenced by the melanoma-related death of former colleague Jim Johnson—and the importance of sun protection while filming a public service announcement.

References

  1. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/McDeSe0.htm
  2. https://www.buffalobills.com/team/coaches-roster/sean-mcdermott
  3. https://tribeathletics.com/honors/hall-of-fame/sean-mcdermott/423
  4. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/buf/2025.htm
  5. https://www.dailylocal.com/2009/08/10/mcdermott-proud-of-local-roots/
  6. https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/bills/ygo3nyud5t39s7afshsc
  7. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/club/bio/mcdermott
  8. https://montco.today/2017/08/buffalo-bills-new-coach-honed-his-skills-growing-lansdale/
  9. https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/5063234-bills-coach-sean-mcdermott-inspired-by-psu-title-run
  10. https://www.lschs.org/about-la-salle/news-events/news/p/~post/sean-mcdermott-93-named-head-coach-of-buffalo-bills-20170112
  11. https://www.wm.edu/peopleofwm/cultural-icons/mcdermott-s/
  12. https://mason.wm.edu/news/2024/buffalo-bills-head-coach-sean-mcdermott-98-receives-william-marys-principled-achievement-award-for-exemplary-leadership.php
  13. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/william-mary-played-important-role-in-sean-mcdermotts-nfl-success/
  14. https://www.buffalobills.com/news/sean-mcdermott-s-legacy-at-william-mary-lives-on-with-athletics-hall-of-fame-ind
  15. https://www.wm.edu/news/stories/2009/mcdermott-98named-eagles-defensive-coordinator001.php
  16. https://www.pilotonline.com/2021/01/15/william-mary-ties-bind-legendary-coaches-marv-levy-jimmye-laycock-to-buffalo-bills-sean-mcdermott/
  17. https://wmsportsblog.com/2020/04/29/get-to-know-tribe-alum-sean-mcdermott-98/
  18. https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/mcdermott-named-defensive-coordinator-3570707
  19. https://pro-football-history.com/coach/1184/sean-mcdermott-bio
  20. https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-research-sean-mcdermott-s-coaching-history-0ap3000000772922
  21. https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/opportunity-a-dream-come-true-for-mcdermott-3570711
  22. https://www.espn.com/blog/buffalo-bills/post/_/id/33757/bills-sean-mcdermott-recalls-jim-johnson-eagles-days-fondly
  23. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/phi/2009.htm
  24. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/phi/2010.htm
  25. https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=6038958
  26. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/car/2011.htm
  27. https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2017/1/12/14236950/sean-mcdermott-buffalo-bills-head-coach-4-3-defense-all-22
  28. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/car/2012.htm
  29. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/car/2013.htm
  30. https://www.panthers.com/news/transformation-of-a-defense-11836870
  31. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/car/2014.htm
  32. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/car/2015.htm
  33. https://www.nfl.com/news/panthers-luke-kuechly-is-defensive-player-of-the-year-0ap2000000321590
  34. https://www.espn.com/blog/carolina-panthers/post/_/id/21796/two-truths-and-a-lie-make-sean-mcdermott-a-great-defensive-coordinator
  35. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/car/2016.htm
  36. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18453441/buffalo-bills-agree-hire-sean-mcdermott-head-coach
  37. https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-announce-contract-extensions-gm-brandon-beane-hc-sean-mcdermott-2027
  38. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/buf/2017.htm
  39. https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/afc-east-champions-complete-list-winners-year
  40. https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/sports/nfl/how-many-super-bowls-have-the-bills-won/4089431/
  41. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/buf/2024.htm
  42. https://apnews.com/article/ravens-bills-playoffs-score-d51389973b294ff4962efa8f951c1087
  43. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30700731/brian-daboll-went-x-o-revive-buffalo-bills-offense-career
  44. https://www.buffalobills.com/news/how-sean-mcdermott-and-brandon-beane-orchestrated-a-franchise-turnaround-for-buf
  45. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39065999/bills-coach-sean-mcdermott-regrets-9-11-comments-apologizes
  46. https://www.nfl.com/news/bills-head-coach-sean-mcdermott-apologizes-for-referencing-9-11-hijackers-in-tea
  47. https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-hire-brandon-beane-as-new-gm-18839591
  48. https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-name-brian-daboll-offensive-coordinator-20252410
  49. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/buf/playoffs.htm
  50. https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/buf/season/2024
  51. https://www.buffalobills.com/news/sean-mcdermott-backs-coordinators-for-head-coaching-opportunities
  52. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/999287/2019/05/29/the-culture-starts-with-sean-how-the-coachs-voracious-learning-habits-are-rubbing-off-on-the-bills/
  53. https://www.espn.com/blog/buffalo-bills/post/_/id/36960/who-replaces-brian-daboll-will-be-vital-decision-in-sean-mcdermotts-bills-tenure
  54. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38896424/bills-offensive-coordinator-ken-dorsey-fired-sources-say
  55. https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/ken-dorsey-named-browns-offensive-coordinator
  56. https://www.nfl.com/news/bills-to-hire-leslie-frazier-as-defensive-coordinator-0ap3000000773592
  57. https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-dc-leslie-frazier-given-additional-title-of-assistant-head-coach
  58. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35752904/bills-dc-leslie-frazier-decides-take-year-coaching
  59. https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-promote-eric-washington-to-assistant-head-coach
  60. https://www.si.com/nfl/bills/onsi/news/buffalo-bills-eric-washington-assistant-head-coach-leslie-frazier-coaching-staff-sean-mcdermott
  61. https://www.buffalobills.com/news/buffalo-bills-promote-bobby-babich-to-defensive-coordinator
  62. https://www.si.com/nfl/bills/onsi/news/buffalo-bills-sean-mcdermott-bobby-babich-mentor-ks17
  63. https://www.si.com/fantasy/2021/06/07/coach-coordinator-breakdowns-afc-east
  64. https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/football/nfl/bills/2025/02/10/buffalo-bills-fire-matthew-smiley-special-teams-coordinator/78384099007/
  65. https://www.si.com/nfl/bills/onsi/news/special-teams-sean-mcdermott-matthew-smiley-after-miscues
  66. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/DaboBr0.htm
  67. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/CullDa0.htm
  68. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/bills-leading-the-charge-for-defensive-coordinator-leslie-frazier-to-merit-strong-head-coaching-consideration/
  69. https://www.fox4news.com/sports/dallas-cowboys-interview-leslie-frazier-head-coaching-job
  70. https://www.si.com/nfl/bills/onsi/sean-mcdermott-publicly-defends-bills-defensive-coordinator-amidst-ugly-stretch-bye-week
  71. https://www.nfl.com/news/2026-nfl-head-coach-hiring-cycle-24-young-candidates-to-know
  72. https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/andy-reid-coaching-tree-sean-mcdermott-john-harbaugh/pn2xlbnlpvvf195kr5wd4dez7
  73. https://www.profootballnetwork.com/who-is-sean-mcdermotts-wife-jamie-lifestyle/
  74. https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/sean-mcdermott-wife
  75. https://sportsspectrum.com/sport/football/2020/05/27/bills-head-coach-sean-mcdermott-platform-gods-glory/
  76. https://www.buffalobills.com/video/sean-and-jamie-mcdermott-visit-patients-at-highpointe
  77. https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/06/20/bills-coach-sean-mcdermott-no-longer-sleeping-in-his-office
  78. https://www.golongtd.com/p/the-mcdermott-problem-part-i-blame
  79. https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/buffalo-bills/news/sean-mcdermott-skin-cancer-bills-squamous-cell-basal-carcinoma/955ea36f5c8b2a70fb02f286
  80. https://www.essentiallysports.com/nfl-active-news-bills-bills-hc-sean-mcdermott-details-uphill-battle-with-skin-cancer-shares-wifes-jamie-reaction/
  81. https://www.skincancer.org/blog/nfl-coach-shares-his-top-defensive-tips-for-skin-cancer-prevention/
  82. https://www.buffalobills.com/video/crucial-catch-sean-mcdermott-skin-cancer-prevention
  83. https://www.buffalobills.com/news/sean-mcdermott-and-wegmans-team-up-to-promote-skin-cancer-awareness
  84. https://www.si.com/nfl/bills/onsi/news/hard-knocks-hbo-4-observations-from-august12-episode-with-buffalo-bills
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.