Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Sean McDermott

Share: FB Share X Share Reddit Share Reddit Share
Sean McDermott

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

Sean McDermott is an American football coach who was the head coach of the Buffalo Bills (2017-2026). He started 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), reaching Super Bowl 50. In 2017, McDermott became the head coach of the Buffalo Bills.

2 hours ago : Sean McDermott's Charlotte Home Buy, Coaching Lessons After Bills Exit Revealed

Sean McDermott, former Buffalo Bills coach, purchased a $5M home in Charlotte. He also shared a lesson learned from Andy Reid that will shape his next coaching role after leaving the Bills.

1999: Joins Philadelphia Eagles

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

2001: Joins Philadelphia Eagles

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

2001: Promotion to Coaching Staff

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

2004: Assistant Defensive Backs Coach

In 2004, Sean McDermott became the assistant defensive backs coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, replacing Steve Spagnuolo.

2007: Assigned Linebackers Coach

In 2007, Sean McDermott was assigned linebackers coach 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: Becomes Eagles Defensive Coordinator

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

2010: Continues as Eagles Defensive Coordinator

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.

January 17, 2011: Hired as Panthers Defensive Coordinator

On January 17, 2011, Sean McDermott was hired as the defensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers.

2011: Joins Carolina Panthers as Defensive Coordinator

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

2012: Top Ten Overall Defense

In 2012, Sean McDermott led the Panthers to finishes in the top ten in overall defense.

2015: Top Ten Overall Defense

In 2015, Sean McDermott led the Panthers to finishes in the top ten in overall defense.

2015: Reached Super Bowl 50

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

February 7, 2016: Super Bowl 50

On February 7, 2016, Sean McDermott and the Carolina Panthers appeared in Super Bowl 50, where they lost to the Denver Broncos 24-10.

2016: End of Panthers Tenure

In 2016, Sean McDermott completed his sixth season with the Carolina Panthers.

January 11, 2017: Hired as Bills Head Coach

On January 11, 2017, Sean McDermott was hired by the Buffalo Bills as the 19th head coach in franchise history.

September 10, 2017: First Win as Bills Coach

On September 10, 2017, Sean McDermott won his NFL head coaching debut with the Bills in a 21-12 victory over the New York Jets.

2017: Hired as Buffalo Bills Head Coach

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

August 12, 2020: Contract Extension

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

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.

2025: McDermott Fired

After the 2025 season, Sean McDermott was fired from his role as head coach for the Buffalo Bills.

January 19, 2026: McDermott Fired from Bills

On January 19, 2026, Sean McDermott was fired from his position as head coach of the Buffalo Bills after nine seasons.