Former Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott released a statement Monday night expressing appreciation for the city and fan base, hours after the organization dismissed him following nine seasons.
“This community graciously embraced not only me but my family and in some ways helped raise our children over the last nine years,” McDermott said in a statement obtained by NFL Network. “For that I say thank you to all of the teachers, coaches, and friends whom we met along the way … the ‘City of Good Neighbors!’ We love You! We will miss Buffalo.”
The Bills’ decision came two days after Buffalo’s season ended with a 33-30 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs.
In announcing the move, owner Terry Pegula acknowledged McDermott’s success while explaining the organization’s reasoning for a change at the top.
“Sean has done an admirable job of leading our football team for the past 9 seasons,” Pegula said. “But I feel we are in need of a new structure within our leadership to give this organization the best opportunity to take our team to the next level. We owe that to our players and to Bills Mafia.”
McDermott departs as one of the most successful head coaches in franchise history, finishing with a 98-50 regular-season record and an 8-8 mark in the postseason.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].