Sean Michael McDermott, born on March 21, 1974, is an American professional football coach currently serving as the head coach for the Buffalo Bills in the National Football League (NFL). His journey from a wrestling champion to a successful NFL coach is a testament to his discipline, work ethic, and leadership.
Early Life and Wrestling Career
Born in Omaha, Nebraska, McDermott was raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He graduated from La Salle College High School in 1993, where he excelled in football and wrestling. McDermott's wrestling background played a significant role in shaping his character and approach to coaching.
McDermott started wrestling at age 4 and became a two-time National Prep School Champion and All-Catholic selection at 171 pounds at LaSalle College High School. He achieved an impressive 61-0 record in his final two years and was named the Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News Wrestler of the Year. McDermott even had an offer to wrestle at the University of Virginia.
"My wrestling background, that's been a big part of me and my life and growing up and really helped shape me into the person I am today," McDermott said shortly after he was hired by the Bills in 2017. "There's a lot of life lessons you learn through wrestling."
McDermott competed in the 1993 USA High School Wrestling Tournament, going 2-2 and facing the eventual national champion.
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Sean McDermott vs. Dan Campbell: Tale of the Tape
| Category | Sean McDermott | Dan Campbell |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 50 | 48 |
| Height | Unknown | 6 feet, 5 inches |
| Weight | Playing weight in college was 171 pounds | 265 pounds when playing in the NFL |
| Wrestling Career | Back-to-back national prep school champion in 1992 and 1993 at 171 pounds; 61-0 record in final two years; Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News Wrestler of the Year; had offer to wrestling at University of Virginia. | Wrestled steer at his family's ranch. |
College Football Career at William & Mary
McDermott started his collegiate career for the Tribe in 1993 as a preferred walk-on. He redshirted his freshman year and wore no. Despite being a walk-on, McDermott proved to be a talented defensive back for the Tribe. He worked his way to a half scholarship, eventually earning a full one the next year.
In 1996, McDermott became the Tribe’s full-time starter at defensive back, starting 26 games, including every game of his last two seasons. McDermott recorded 322 tackles and 20 passes defended, four of which he intercepted. He also forced three fumbles and recovered six during his career with the Tribe. He led William and Mary to a combined record of 32-14 (.696), including the Yankee Conference title in 1996.
In his senior year in 1997, McDermott was named team captain and recorded his best season, earning third team All-Conference and second team All-ECAC honors.
McDermott graduated from William and Mary in 1998 with a degree in finance.
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Friday, March 10, William and Mary Athletics inducted Tribe football alumnus Sean McDermott ’98 into the William and Mary Athletics Hall of Fame at the Sadler Center in Williamsburg, Virginia. McDermott now joins fellow NFL head coach Mike Tomlin ’95 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the William and Mary Athletics Hall of Fame. The pair played together during the 1993 and 1994 seasons.
NFL Coaching Career
A few months after graduating, he began his coaching career in 1998, McDermott joined the Philadelphia Eagles as a scouting administrative coordinator. He stayed with Philadelphia until 2010, ending his tenure there as the defensive coordinator. During Philadelphia’s 2004 season, both of McDermott’s starting safeties were named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in team history.
McDermott then became the defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers in 2011. His team finished in the top-10 defenses in the NFL every year from 2012 to 2015. In 2017, McDermott began his tenure as the head coach of the Buffalo Bills. In his first season, McDermott took Buffalo to its first playoff appearance in 18 years.
McDermott attributes much of his success as a coach and as an individual to his foundational experience at William and Mary. "William and Mary is not a place where things are handed out; grades, scholarships, you have to earn every inch of what you do here on campus," McDermott said.
Since taking over the Bills in 2017, McDermott has led the team to seven playoff appearances and five AFC East titles. His wrestling mindset, rooted in discipline and resilience, seems to be a key factor in the team's success.
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Here's a summary of McDermott's NFL coaching timeline:
- 1999-2000: Philadelphia Eagles scouting administrative coordinator
- 2001: Eagles assistant to head coach
- 2002-2003: Eagles defensive assistant and quality control
- 2004-2006: Eagles assistant defensive backs coach
- 2007: Eagles linebackers coach
- 2008: Eagles defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach
- 2009-2010: Eagles defensive coordinator
- 2011-2016: Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator
- 2017-present: Buffalo Bills head coach
McDermott's head coaching tenure in Buffalo has seen improved fortunes for the franchise, which had been mostly unsuccessful during the 2000s and 2010s. In his first season, he led the Bills to their first playoff appearance since 1999, ending the longest active postseason drought in the four major North American sports. Three years later, McDermott helped the Bills clinch their division and win a playoff game for the first time since 1995 en route to their first AFC Championship Game appearance since 1993.
On August 12, 2020, McDermott signed a contract extension through 2025. In June 2023, The Bills announced contract extensions for GM Brandon Beane, HC Sean McDermott through 2027.
As of December 11, 2023, Sean McDermott moves into second place on Bills all-time coaching wins list.
His overall head coaching record is 88-50 (.638), with a regular season record of 83-44 (.654) and a postseason record of 5-6 (.455).
The "Hardcore Wrestler Mindset"
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott has become the talk of the NFL, not just for his leadership but for a viral pregame moment that showcased his wrestling background. Moments before the Bills' wild-card clash against the Denver Broncos, McDermott was spotted engaging in a friendly wrestling match with a member of the team's support staff-a move that perfectly embodies his "hardcore wrestler mindset."
Gable Steveson, Olympic gold medalist and NCAA wrestling champion, once described McDermott as someone who "transforms the football mindset into a wrestling mindset." This philosophy is evident in how McDermott molds his players, emphasizing discipline, mental toughness, and a never-give-up attitude.
McDermott has hosted Olympic gold medalist wrestler Jordan Burroughs to speak to the Bills multiple times. He's kept in shape with mixed martial arts training and has a wrestling mat in his home.
Viral moment excites fans and analysts alike, praising his ability to connect with his team in unconventional ways, bringing a sense of camaraderie and energy to the sidelines. For the Bills, who entered the game as the No. 2 seed with a 13-4 record, such moments could be the secret weapon they need in high-stakes situations.
As the Bills continue their journey, McDermott's wrestling mindset might just be the edge they need.