Bills Part Ways with Head Coach Sean McDermott
The Bills Mafia has made a significant change, letting go of head coach Sean McDermott after nine seasons. His final game was an overtime playoff loss to the Broncos in Denver this past Saturday.
During his time in Buffalo, McDermott recorded a 98-50 regular season record and an 8-8 postseason record.
That overtime defeat, which ended 33-30, had its share of controversy. On Buffalo’s first possession, quarterback Josh Allen’s pass to wide receiver Brandin Cooks resulted in a turnover when it was ruled an interception by Denver cornerback Jaquan McMillian. Many believed Cooks was down before the play, leading to questions about the decision. McDermott expressed his confusion over the ruling, stating that it appeared to him like Cooks had made the catch. He pointed out the need for more careful officiating, suggesting that perhaps a review could have clarified the situation.
At 51 years old, McDermott joined the Bills in 2017 after six seasons as the Panthers’ defensive coordinator. A year later, the team made a pivotal choice by drafting quarterback Josh Allen as the seventh overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Together, McDermott and Allen led the Bills to the playoffs in seven of their eight seasons, with their closest shot at a Super Bowl occurring in the 2020 and 2024 seasons when they lost to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game.
This current season saw a notable shift in the landscape of the AFC East, especially with the Patriots—under first-year coach Mike Vrabel—taking the division title back with a 14-3 record, leaving the Bills, who finished with a 12-5 record, in second place.
McDermott’s dismissal comes just days after Mike Tomlin wrapped up his longtime tenure with the Steelers, and John Harbaugh was let go after 18 years at the Ravens’ helm, soon being named head coach of the Giants.
With McDermott’s exit, the Bills join a list of teams featuring eight coaching vacancies, including the Ravens, Steelers, Dolphins, Browns, Titans, Cardinals, and Raiders. Meanwhile, the Falcons have also decided to find a new head coach, recently hiring former Browns coach Kevin Stefanski.
