3 strengths and 2 weaknesses of Sean McDermott heading into 2023 season
By Brandon Ray
When the Buffalo Bills fired former head coach Rex Ryan in 2016, owner Terry Pegula and the Bills organization had to find a coach that would bring hope back to Buffalo. After going 17 seasons without a playoff appearance, the Bills knew they needed to get the head coach right.
On January 11th, 2017, it was announced by the Bills that former Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott would become the Bills’ next head coach in Buffalo. After this signing, the rest is history and the Bills have become a contender in the NFL under McDermott’s reign.
In six seasons, McDermott has brought the Bills to the postseason five times (including his first season as the coach with Tyrod Taylor at quarterback), has won three consecutive division titles, brought the Bills to a conference championship, and posted a head coaching record of 62-35. In addition, McDermott has helped put together a culture in Buffalo that goes beyond the football field. This past offseason, the Bills extended McDermott to a contract extension through the 2027 season.
While the Bills have had clear success under McDermott, they have yet to get over the hump and make it to the super bowl. Each season, it seems like McDermott gets praise and criticisms from fans based on different events that take place throughout the season.