Sean McDermott’s Evolution: From Strict Coach to Team’s ‘Goofy Dad’

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott, known for his no-nonsense demeanor, has revealed a lighter side this season, endearing himself to players and fans alike. From singing Alicia Keys in team meetings to delivering dad jokes, McDermott’s evolution has become a defining narrative for the Bills as they head into the playoffs.

McDermott, who turned 50 in March, has embraced a more relaxed approach in 2024, a stark contrast to the strict, process-driven coach who arrived in Buffalo in 2017. “He’s definitely a little looser in a good way,” said long snapper Reid Ferguson, who has been with the team since before McDermott’s arrival. “It’s not a complete 180, maybe like a 110.”

The shift became evident during a team meeting earlier this season when McDermott surprised players by singing along to Alicia Keys’ 2007 hit “No One.” Fullback Reggie Gilliam recalled the moment: “He started singing along to it. Everybody was surprised. We were like, ‘How do you know Alicia Keys?!’”

McDermott’s newfound humor has also become a Friday tradition. Each week, he kicks off team meetings with a dad joke, often sourced from a tear-off calendar gifted by his family. Cornerback Taron Johnson admitted, “They’re usually pretty bad. They’re always corny. Always.”

This transformation hasn’t gone unnoticed by players, many of whom credit McDermott’s growth with fostering a more cohesive and confident team. “He trusts his team,” Johnson said. “He still says what he needs to say, but also lets us figure it out on our own.”

McDermott’s evolution extends beyond humor. He has become more open about his personal life, including his introverted nature and the challenges of balancing his demanding job with family responsibilities. In March 2023, his father was diagnosed with leukemia, a development that has profoundly impacted his perspective. “It’s put it in perspective for me,” McDermott said. “My dad, like a lot of cancer patients, gets his chemo five days a week and then takes a break. And he’s been literally in the chemo chair calling me, ‘Hey, how’s the team?’”

Former Michigan basketball coach John Beilein theorized that McDermott’s looser demeanor stems from his trust in the team’s leadership. “I’ll bet he feels like the players have taken ownership of the team, and then he can relax,” Beilein said.

As the Bills prepare for their seventh playoff run in eight years under McDermott, the coach’s growth has become a rallying point for the team. With a 13-4 record and a strong chance at a Super Bowl, McDermott’s blend of discipline and humor has created a unique culture in Buffalo. “I want so badly to win, so that people really, truly understand the people of Buffalo,” McDermott said. “To shed light on what really this place is.”