Jul 28, 2016; Spartanburg, SC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott looks on during the training camp at Wofford College. Photo Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
The Buffalo Bills hired Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott as their head coach two weeks after firing Rex Ryan.
The 42-year-old McDermott interviewed for a second time Wednesday with Bills owners Terry and Kim Pegula at their home in Boca Raton, Fla. Kim Pegula tweeted late in the afternoon, “Done deal.”
“We believe we have hired a smart, determined and hard-working head coach who has been training for many years to achieve this goal,” Terry Pegula said. “Sean is an ambitious leader who has the desire to lead this organization to compete for and ultimately win a Super Bowl. We look forward to working with Sean for many years to come.”
McDermott spent Tuesday being interviewed by the San Francisco 49ers.
“Sean McDermott is an excellent football coach and we feel he is the perfect leader for this team,” Bills general manager Doug Whaley said. “Sean’s intelligence, leadership qualities and vision for our team impressed us throughout the interview process. I am excited to begin working with Coach McDermott and his staff.”
McDermott spent the past six seasons leading the Panthers’ defense after two seasons (2009-10) as the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive coordinator.
The Panthers’ defense ranked 21st in yards allowed this season and 26th in points allowed but finished in the top 10 in yards allowed in each season from 2012 to 2015.
“I am very appreciative of the opportunity to become the Buffalo Bills new head coach and join the rich tradition of Bills football,” McDermott said. “I am looking forward to connecting with our players, Bills staff and the passionate fan base. I want to thank Terry and Kim and I look forward to working with Doug and the entire football department.”
The Pegulas tapped Whaley to lead the coaching search after Ryan was fired on Dec. 27 with one game left in the 2016 season.
It remains unclear how much control McDermott will have over the Bills’ roster and personnel decisions. Whaley had final say over the 53-man roster during Ryan’s two-year tenure. Both Whaley and Ryan reported directly to Terry Pegula.
The Bills finished 7-9 in 2016, and in 31 games as Bills coach, Ryan had a 15-16 record.
The Bills have not made the postseason since 1999 — a 17-year drought that is the longest active streak in the NFL and is tied for the fifth-longest playoff drought in league history.
Bills interim head coach Anthony Lynn also was considered a top candidate. He has interviewed with multiple teams, including a visit with the San Diego Chargers on Tuesday.
The Bills interviewed four candidates, including Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Harold Goodwin and Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Kris Richard.
