The organization announced Friday that Bills coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Bean have signed contract extensions with Buffalo through the 2027 season. Here’s what you need to know:
- The pair joined Buffalo in 2017, and have led the Bills to a 62-35 regular season record and five trips to the playoffs.
- McDermott’s four playoff wins are the second most in franchise history.
- Buffalo is coming off its second 13-win season in three years. The Bills fell in the divisional round for the second straight season this past January.
the athleteInstant Analysis:
What did they mean for a buffalo?
For a long time before McDermott and Bean arrived, the Bills had been manipulating decision makers in an effort to find an identity. The jobs of coach and general manager changed constantly, and it all contributed to a 17-year playoff drought. Once the couple joined, things immediately changed and the franchise has become one of the best and most consistent teams since 2017.
During his six seasons as head coach, McDermott is already third in franchise history for most wins and just seven shy of passing second place Lou Saban. McDermott’s 0.639 winning percentage is the best in franchise history for any coach. Meanwhile, Beane has put together a roster that is consistently one of the best in the league. He also drafted one of the best quarterbacks in the game and navigated the ever-changing landscape of the salary cap as the Bills built progress from falling apart to keeping the winning window open. – Buscaglia
Popular among fans
McDermott and Beane have been very popular throughout the fan base since their arrival.
In our most recent fan survey, trust ratings for both McDermott and Beane declined from 2022 to 2023, though respondents remained highly confident in both. The Bills never got farther than the Chiefs into the playoffs in the era of McDermott and Beane, and they had two straight exits from the postseason in the divisional round. – Buscaglia
The importance of contracts
With so many things, both on the roster and on the coaching staff, starting to shift since the start of their winning spell in 2019, the timing of these extensions can be seen as a huge vote of confidence. McDermott has assumed the defensive play-caller role, while Bean’s drafting has come under some criticism in recent years. Regardless, the extensions show that the Pegula family is still staunchly supportive of what the pair has been able to do. Above all, they provided the stability the organization has been craving since head coach Marv Levy retired after the 1997 season.
Juggling contract extensions together is another important component of this, as the Bills align with several successful NFL pairings to have a coach and general manager in line during the same season. While it wouldn’t necessarily prevent the Bills from choosing one over the other if it came to that day, it’s an important message for every foundation leader to be equal.
McDermott and Beane are now also signed by the new Highmark Stadium’s expected opening date for the 2026 season, giving the franchise a potential lead during a pivotal moment in the organization’s history. – Buscaglia
background story
McDermott and Beane arrived in Buffalo from the Carolinas and immediately found more success than the chain had seen in decades. Prior to 2021, the team had not had 13 wins since 1991.
Buffalo only suffered one losing season under McDermott and Bean.
what are they saying
Team owner Terry Pegula praised McDermott’s personality and work ethic in a statement, calling the coach “a proud, Christian, and determined man.”
He recalled interviewing McDermott about the position and how the coach’s wrestling background affected him.
“I remember before he interviewed for the Bills head coach job he had in mind being a two-time National Junior High Wrestling Champion,” Pegula said. “I said to myself, You wrestle, you’re determined, you love what you do, and you win. He comes to the Bills every day and won’t ask anyone, player or coach to do anything they don’t.”
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