Former Buffalo Bills' head coach Sean McDermott had an up-and-down journey with the New York-based franchise. The former Carolina Panthers' defensive coordinator was hired by the Bills in 2017 as the team's head coach, but failed to lead them to a Super Bowl in his nine years with them.
Despite falling short of the ultimate game, the Bills enjoyed a good time under the 52-year-old. The Bills made the playoffs in eight of McDermott's nine seasons in charge and reached the AFC Championship game twice, losing to the Kansas City Chiefs on both occasions.
McDermott's exit and what comes next
Kareem Elgazzar - USA TODAY Sports
McDermott was fired in January 2026 following the Bills' Divisional Round loss to the Denver Broncos. Since then, he has largely stayed away from the spotlight, but he recently appeared on The Jim Rome Show, where he opened up about his time in Buffalo and reflected on his tenure with the team.
"You have to be intentional about recognizing the success that we did have," McDermott said. "You go through and get the job; there was a 17-year playoff drought before we set foot on campus at One Bills Drive. So, in our first year, we were able to break the streak; then, from there, it was eight of nine seasons making the playoffs.
"So proud of our staff, the building at the time, and the way we grew as an organization. I really feel strongly about my time there and the success that we did have."
The former Bills coach also made it clear that he still has his sights set on leading a team to the Super Bowl, a feat he was unable to accomplish during his time in Buffalo.
"I have a burning desire in my heart to do that [win a Super Bowl] and lead an organization to a world championship," McDermott said.
In his nine seasons with the Bills, the Omaha native led the team to a 98-50 record, winning the division five times. Prior to landing the Bills' head coaching gig, McDermott served as the Panthers' defensive coordinator, overseeing the development of Luke Kuechly, who became the latest inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
It remains to be seen what McDermott's next move will be. However, his experience leading an NFL franchise should serve him well if he decides to return to coaching in the future.
