Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Sean McDermott

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Sean McDermott made an impact.

Sean McDermott is the head coach of the Buffalo Bills in the NFL. He began his NFL coaching career with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2001, eventually becoming their defensive coordinator (2009-2010). He then served as the defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers (2011-2016), including a Super Bowl 50 appearance. McDermott was hired as the Bills' head coach in 2017.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1993: Bills AFC Championship Game Appearance

The Buffalo Bills had not appeared in the AFC Championship Game since 1993, which ended when Sean McDermott became head coach.

1995: AFC East Division Title

In the 2020 season, the Bills won their first AFC East Division Title since 1995.

1995: Bills Clinch Division and Win Playoff Game

The Buffalo Bills had not won a playoff game or clinched their division since 1995, which ended when Sean McDermott became head coach.

1999: Joins Philadelphia Eagles

In 1999, Sean McDermott joined the Philadelphia Eagles as a scouting administrative coordinator.

1999: Bills Miss Playoffs

The Buffalo Bills had not made the playoffs since 1999, which ended when Sean McDermott became head coach.

2001: Joined Philadelphia Eagles as Assistant

In 2001, Sean McDermott started his NFL coaching career as an assistant for the Philadelphia Eagles.

2001: Promoted to Coaching Staff

In 2001, Sean McDermott was promoted to Andy Reid's coaching staff for the Philadelphia Eagles.

2004: Assistant Defensive Backs Coach

In 2004, Sean McDermott became the assistant defensive backs coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, helping his starting safeties earn Pro Bowl berths. The Eagles appeared in Super Bowl XXXIX but lost to the New England Patriots.

2005: Dawkins Earns Pro Bowl Berth

In 2005, under Sean McDermott's watch, Brian Dawkins earned another Pro Bowl berth.

2006: Dawkins Earns Pro Bowl Berth

In 2006, under Sean McDermott's watch, Brian Dawkins earned another Pro Bowl berth.

2007: Assigned Linebackers Coach

In 2007, Sean McDermott was assigned the linebackers coach position for the Philadelphia Eagles.

January 28, 2008: Named Secondary Coach

On January 28, 2008, Sean McDermott was named the secondary coach for the Philadelphia Eagles.

May 18, 2009: Named Interim Defensive Coordinator

On May 18, 2009, Sean McDermott was named the interim defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles.

2009: Named Defensive Coordinator for the Eagles

In 2009, Sean McDermott was named the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles.

2010: Defensive Coordinator for the Eagles

In 2010, Sean McDermott continued his role as the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles.

January 15, 2011: Fired as Defensive Coordinator

On January 15, 2011, Sean McDermott was fired as the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles after 12 years with the team.

January 17, 2011: Hired as Defensive Coordinator

On January 17, 2011, Sean McDermott was hired as the defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers, reuniting with Ron Rivera.

2011: Defensive Coordinator for Carolina Panthers

In 2011, Sean McDermott became the defensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers.

2012: Top Ten Defense

In 2012, Sean McDermott led the Carolina Panthers to a top ten finish in overall defense.

2015: Top Ten Defense

In 2015, Sean McDermott led the Carolina Panthers to a top ten finish in overall defense.

2015: Reached Super Bowl 50

In the 2015 season, Sean McDermott and the Carolina Panthers reached Super Bowl 50.

February 7, 2016: Super Bowl 50 Appearance

On February 7, 2016, Sean McDermott and the Carolina Panthers reached Super Bowl 50, losing to the Denver Broncos 24-10.

2016: End of Panthers Tenure

In 2016, Sean McDermott concluded his six seasons with the Carolina Panthers, which included an appearance in Super Bowl 50.

January 11, 2017: Hired as Bills Head Coach

On January 11, 2017, Sean McDermott was hired as the 19th head coach of the Buffalo Bills.

September 10, 2017: First Win as Bills Head Coach

On September 10, 2017, Sean McDermott won his NFL head coaching debut with the Buffalo Bills, defeating the New York Jets 21-12.

2017: Hired as Buffalo Bills Head Coach

In 2017, Sean McDermott was hired as the head coach of the Buffalo Bills.

2018: Bills Finish 6-10

In 2018, Sean McDermott's Buffalo Bills finished with a 6-10 record, missing the playoffs. However, they showed improvement after a slow start, with the defense improving over the course of the season. This remains his only losing season as a head coach.

2019: NFL Head Coach of the Year Nomination

In 2019, Sean McDermott was nominated for NFL Head Coach of the Year after leading the Buffalo Bills to a 10-6 record and a playoff berth.

August 12, 2020: Contract Extension

On August 12, 2020, Sean McDermott signed a contract extension with the Buffalo Bills through 2025.

2020: AFC Championship Loss

In 2020, the Buffalo Bills lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game, ending their season. Sean McDermott faced criticism for his play calling in the game.

2021: Playoff Loss to Chiefs

In 2021, the Buffalo Bills lost a memorable playoff game to the Kansas City Chiefs. After the season, the NFL changed their postseason rules to guarantee both teams a possession of the ball in overtime.

2022: Bills Season

In the 2022 season, Sean McDermott led the Buffalo Bills to a 13-3 record and a first-place finish in the AFC East. He was praised for his role in helping to cancel the Bills' week 17 game due to the Damar Hamlin incident. They lost in the Divisional Round to the Cincinnati Bengals.

February 2023: Assumed Play-Calling Duties

Following Leslie Frazier's resignation in February 2023, Sean McDermott assumed play-calling duties on defense for the 2023 season.

June 23, 2023: Contract Extended Through 2027

On June 23, 2023, the Buffalo Bills announced Sean McDermott's contract had been extended through the 2027 season.

2023: 2023 Season

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

2024: 2024 Season

In the 2024 season, Sean McDermott led the Bills to a 13–4 record and another AFC East title. The Bills lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship.