Buffalo Bills

On January 11, 2017, the Buffalo Bills named Sean McDermott the 20th head coach in franchise history. McDermott enters his first season as Buffalo's head coach and his 19th season in the NFL ranks.

McDermott joins the Bills after spending six seasons as the defensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers where he developed a unit that is considered to be one of the best in the NFL. McDermott led the Carolina defense to a top-10 finish in four of his six seasons in charge.

Over the past six seasons, the Panthers defense ranked second in the NFL in sacks (261), third in turnovers forced (169), sixth in rushing yards allowed per game (103.3), ninth in yards per game (339.1) and 12th in points allowed per game (22.1). In his time in Carolina, McDermott helped the Panthers to three division titles and a trip to Super Bowl 50.

In 2016, McDermott's defense put up impressive numbers in multiple categories. Despite not having any player with over 10.0 sacks, the Panthers finished second in the NFL in sacks (47). Carolina also finished second in red zone defense (43.64%) and sixth in run defense (91.6).

In 2015, McDermott's defense helped lead the way for the Panthers' 15-1 regular season and run to Super Bowl 50. The Panthers ranked second in the NFL in yards allowed per play (4.9), sixth in scoring defense (19.3) and total defense (322.9). The defense led the league in interceptions (24), takeaways (39), points off turnovers (148) and turnover differential (+20) and tied a franchise record with four interception return touchdowns. Four of McDermott's defenders -- linebackers Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly, cornerback Josh Norman and defensive tackle Kawann Short -- were named to the Pro Bowl and earned All-Pro honors.

In 2014, McDermott guided the defense to another top-10 finish. Carolina forced 20 fumbles, second in the league, and tied for 10th in takeaways with 26.

In 2013, McDermott was named The Sporting News Coordinator of the Year when his unit ranked second in total defense (301.3). The Panthers also led the league in sacks (60) while finishing second in scoring defense (15.1). The defense helped propel Carolina to a 12-4 record, an NFC South title and the team's first playoff appearance since 2008. In allowing the franchise's fewest points since 1996, the defense set a team record with an NFL-low 21 touchdowns allowed.

In 2012, McDermott led Carolina to rank 10th in total defense – an 18-spot improvement from 2011 - as Carolina finished in the top 10 in sacks, third-down conversion percentage and negative plays created.

In McDermott's first year with the Panthers in 2011, his defense overcame youth and injuries to produce key stops and takeaways that contributed to wins in four of the final six games.

McDermott came to Carolina following 12 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. He spent his last two seasons in Philadelphia as defensive coordinator, helping the Eagles to the playoffs in each of those seasons. During his tenure with Philadelphia, McDermott contributed to six division titles, five NFC Championship appearances and a trip to Super Bowl XXXIX.

In 2010, McDermott led one of the league's youngest defenses to top 10 rankings in takeaways and sacks. In his first season overseeing the Eagles' defense in 2009, McDermott was named the NFL's top defensive coordinator by Pro Football Weekly after his unit ranked third in the NFL with 38 takeaways and 44 sacks. Philadelphia also finished second in third-down defense and fifth in yards per play allowed.

McDermott coached the secondary and linebackers before becoming defensive coordinator, learning under the late Jim Johnson, the Eagles' legendary defensive coordinator. Tutoring the defensive backs in 2008, McDermott helped the Eagles rank third in the NFL in pass defense and second in net yards per pass play. Free safety Brian Dawkins and cornerback Asante Samuel garnered Pro Bowl recognition, and strong safety Quintin Mikell captured second-team All-Pro accolades.

In 2007, McDermott took over the linebackers after serving as the secondary/safeties coach from 2004-06. Dawkins was a Pro Bowler all three seasons, and fellow safety Michael Lewis joined him in 2004.

McDermott worked as the team's assistant defensive backs coach in 2003 and as the defensive assistant/quality control coach from 2001-02, assisting with linebackers. He joined the organization in 1998 as a scouting administrative coordinator before being promoted to assistant to the head coach in 1999.