Buffalo Bills: 5 moves that helped the team’s rise out of mediocrity
By Aaron Tully
Bringing in Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane
The beginning of the recent stretch of success for the Bills began on January 11, 2017, when Sean McDermott, then the defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers, was brought in to be the 19th head coach in franchise history.
McDermott was responsible for the Bills drafting key pieces in cornerback Tre’davious White, offensive tackle Dion Dawkins, and linebacker Matt Milano, as well as the signing of safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer.
In May of that year, the Bills hired Brandon Beane, also from Carolina, to be the 12th general manager in franchise history. With both Beane and McDermott at the helm in Buffalo, the franchise quickly moved in the right direction.
The tandem is responsible for bringing key members of the current roster like Stefon Diggs, Cole Beasley, Josh Allen, and Tremaine Edmunds among others.
They also brought in quality depth pieces like Isaiah McKenzie, Taron Johnson, Levi Wallace, and A.J Klein.
McDermott and Beane are also responsible for kicking the losing culture that surrounded the franchise for 17 years and replacing it with a winning culture that emphasizes hard work, high character individuals, and unity amongst the team.
McDermott’s philosophy of mistake-free football, high-quality special teams play, and stout defensive football have kept the Bills competitive in a large number of games during his tenure.
Under McDermott, the Bills have been consistently good on defense, boasting one of the best secondaries in football. Buffalo finished 13th in pass yards allowed in 2020, fourth in 2019, and first in 2018. The Bills also finished second in total yardage allowed in 2018, and third in 2019.
McDermott has surrounded himself with one of the best coaching staff in the NFL, bringing in Brian Daboll as the offensive coordinator, and Leslie Frazier as the defensive coordinator. Both Daboll and Frazier have been great in their play calling and work with the players, particularly Daboll’s work with Josh Allen.
Hiring Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane was the first seed planted in the franchise’s return to prominence, and every good decision that was made after their hiring is another example of why they are one of the best head coach/general manager duos in all of football.