Since taking over the Buffalo Bills in 2017, Sean McDermott has built a powerhouse in the regular season. His 86-45 record, including five straight AFC East titles, speaks volumes about his coaching ability. But winning in January? That’s been the hurdle, and it’s costing him his spot among the NFL’s elite coaches.
Playoff Struggles Knock McDermott to No. 11
According to Pro Football Network, McDermott now ranks No. 11 among NFL head coaches. The report acknowledges his strong regular-season performance but highlights his continued playoff shortcomings.
“There’s no doubt that McDermott knows how to win. However, the Bills have continued to fall short in January,” PFN noted.
Despite making the postseason in five straight seasons, no Super Bowl appearance haunts McDermott’s resume. His 7-7 playoff record includes four recent losses to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, a team that has become Buffalo’s postseason nightmare.
The Buffalo Bills reached the AFC Championship Game again last season but couldn’t get past Kansas City. If that trend continues into 2025, McDermott’s seat could get warm, fast.
He’s built a strong foundation, but fans and analysts alike are growing impatient. The window with Josh Allen at quarterback won’t stay open forever.
A Super Bowl = Top 10 Status Secured
It’s simple: break through the AFC ceiling, especially against the Chiefs, and McDermott instantly earns top-10 status. But another missed opportunity, with Mahomes standing in the way again, could spark conversations about whether someone else needs to take Buffalo to the next level.
