Sean McDermott was born on March 21, 1974, in Omaha, Nebraska. He grew up in a family deeply involved in sports, as his father was a high school football coach. McDermott developed a passion for athletics at a young age and was a standout athlete in multiple sports.
McDermott attended La Salle College High School, where he excelled as an All-Southeastern Pennsylvania defensive back on the football team. He also had success as a wrestler, winning two national prep championships. After high school, he continued his education at the College of William and Mary, where he earned a bachelor's degree in finance.
McDermott's coaching career began as a defensive assistant for the Philadelphia Eagles, where he worked under head coach Andy Reid. He spent over a decade with the Eagles, eventually becoming the team's defensive coordinator. In 2017, McDermott got his first head coaching opportunity with the Buffalo Bills.
Before joining the Bills, McDermott served as the defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers from 2011 to 2016. During his time with the Panthers, he helped lead the team to multiple playoff appearances and developed a reputation as a defensive mastermind.
McDermott comes from a close-knit family, with his older brother Tim also having a successful career in sports as the Chief Business Officer of the Philadelphia Union Major League Soccer franchise. In his free time, McDermott enjoys spending time with his family and staying active with various sports and outdoor activities.
McDermott took over the head coaching position for the Buffalo Bills after the team parted ways with Rex Ryan. Since becoming the head coach, McDermott has focused on building a strong team culture and implementing his defensive expertise to improve the Bills' performance on the field.
As McDermott continues to make his mark on the NFL coaching world, he remains committed to upholding the values of hard work, discipline, and teamwork that have guided him throughout his career.