BUFFALO — After a disappointing overtime loss to the Denver Broncos on Saturday afternoon, the Buffalo Bills have reportedly fired head coach Sean McDermott after nine seasons with the team.
According to reports from Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter, McDermott was fired this morning.
McDermott coached the Bills for nine seasons, leading to eight playoff appearances. He had a record of 98-50 and won five AFC East titles.
Schefter also shared that McDermott informed the team that he plans to continue his coaching career.
McDermott is not the only NFL coach with Tribe ties that has left this offseason. Mike Tomlin, McDermott’s teammate during his time at William & Mary and former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, stepped down after a disappointing loss in the wild-card round.
In a statement made by the team Monday morning, Bills owner Terry Pegula thanked McDermott for his nine years but believes the team needs to move in a new direction.
“Sean has done an admiral job of leading our football team for the past nine seasons, but I feel we are in need of a new structure within our leadership to give this organization the best opportunity to take our team to the next level. We owe that to our players and to Bills Mafia. Sean helped change the mindset of this organization and was instrumental in the Bills becoming a perennial playoff team. I respect all the work, loyalty, and attention to detail he showed for the team and the community. I wish Sean, Jamie, and his family all the best.”
The statement also said that Bills general manager Brandon Beane will lead Buffalo’s search for its next head coach, alongside Pegula and Pete Guelli, who will serve as President of Business Operations.