Sean McDermott is an accomplished NFL head coach, known for his remarkable tenure with the Buffalo Bills. His coaching career highlights include:

• Compiled a 78-47-0 head coaching record over seven seasons
• Led the team to four consecutive playoff appearances (2019-2022)
• Achieved the second-most wins and the highest winning percentage in Buffalo Bills history

Sean McDermott Coaching Record

Years Active	Record	Win %	Playoff Record	Playoff Win %
26	244-156-2	60.95%	18-18	50%

Coaching record is across all coaching staff that Sean McDermott was a part of, not just his time at head coach.

Head coaching record is 78-47 (.640) in total. Regular Season 73-41 (.640) , Post Season 5-6 (.455)

Coaching Tree 

Parents

• Andy Reid 
• Ron Rivera

Children 

• David Culley
• Brian Daboll

READ MORE: FULL LIST OF NFL HEAD COACHES

Sean McDermott Coaching Style 

Sean McDermott’s coaching approach centers around the concept of “complementary football” and building a strong team culture. His philosophy encompasses several key elements:

• Emphasizing a “Trust the Process” mentality
• Fostering a familial atmosphere within the organization
• Cultivating selfless, disciplined, and determined players and staff
• Focusing on consistent performance across all three phases of the game

McDermott’s coaching style is heavily influenced by his wrestling background, which has shaped his ability to overcome adversity and build determination. His approach focuses on using modern techniques and resources rather than traditional yelling methods, tailoring his coaching to individual players’ needs.

This approach aims to create a cohesive team that can perform at a high level in various game situations.

Sean McDermott Coaching Tree

Prior to becoming the head coach of the Buffalo Bills, Sean McDermott honed his craft under the tutelage of esteemed mentors:

• Served as an assistant under Andy Reid for twelve years
• Worked as defensive coordinator for Ron Rivera at the Carolina Panthers

McDermott’s ability to develop coaching talent is evidenced by the fact that two of his former assistants went on to secure head coaching positions across the NFL:

• David Culley
• Brian Daboll

The collective impact of McDermott’s coaching tree:

• In their combined four seasons as head coaches after working under McDermott, they have amassed a regular season record of 19 wins and 31 losses, with 1 tie.
• Their playoff record stands at 1 win and 1 loss.

READ MORE: HIGHEST PAID NFL HEAD COACHES & HEAD COACH SALARY

Sean McDermott Football Career Timeline

• William and Mary (1998): Graduate Assistant
• Philadelphia Eagles (1999-2010):
  • Assistant to the Head Coach (1999-2000)
  • Defensive Quality Control Coordinator (2001-2002)
  • Assistant Defensive Backs Coach (2003)
  • Secondary and Safeties Coach (2004-2006)
  • Linebackers Coach (2007)
  • Secondary Coach (2008)
  • Defensive Coordinator (2009-2010)
• Carolina Panthers (2011-2016):
  • Defensive Coordinator
• Buffalo Bills (2017-Present):
  • Head Coach

As the Bills continue to face challenges, particularly with quarterback Josh Allen’s turnover issues, it remains to be seen how McDermott’s coaching philosophy will adapt and evolve to maintain the team’s success in the highly competitive NFL landscape.