Bills’ Sean McDermott pens heartfelt farewell to the fans and the city but there’s one big problem we simply cannot ignore
How does this happen?
By now, you’ve already heard the news that the Buffalo Bills have moved on from head coach Sean McDermott after nine seasons in Buffalo. He was an impressive 98-50 (.662) during his time, going 8-8 in the playoffs with six consecutive seasons winning at least one postseason contest. However, it was Super Bowl or bust for Buffalo, and even after overcoming so many obstacles, McDermott is out.
The former Bills head coach (that makes me sad to write) penned a letter to the city of Buffalo and the fanbase that so loves the team, but there was one big issue with his presentation. It wasn’t anything McDermott did specifically, but what the team didn’t do.
The official letter came from NFL Network, not the Buffalo Bills organization. That, and even at the time of publication, the team hasn’t reposted McDermott’s farewell message, or even posted it on their pages at all. It seems as though the breakup might’ve been uglier than anticipated, and that’s a huge issue. Regardless of how the season shook out, McDermott deserves the bare minimum from the organization that he poured so much of himself into. It’s a slap in the face if you ask me. McDermott’s former and current players were quick to take to social media with their displeasure with the decision, another sign that leads me to believe it wasn’t a good split between the two sides.
Not only that, but in the team’s message about firing McDermott, there was a typo in the opening line. Listen, having good editors is a must, and I know it’s a subtle mistake that many could have made, but it’s yet another example of just how brutal this departure has been. I don’t think the organization anticipated the outcry from the fans about their passion for the former head coach.
Sean McDermott says goodbye to Buffalo in the best way possible
Back to McDermott’s letter, he kept it classy, even with the circumstances at hand, showing respect for the Pegula family and the organization for everything they’ve done for him over the years.
“For nearly a decade I have had the opportunity to wake up every morning as the Head Coach of the Buffalo Bills, which has truly been a gift,” McDermott wrote. “I want to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Pegula family, the Buffalo Bills organization, and to the fans for allowing me to live out the dream of being a Head Coach in the NFL in this incredibly special place.”
With nine years in the building, McDermott built plenty of lasting relationships with his staff and his players. McDermott helped build a winning culture in Buffalo that hadn’t been seen for nearly two decades before he arrived.
“I am proud and humbled to have worked alongside amazing staff and players as we shared life together and poured out our hearts and souls into both winning football games and making a positive impact in the community,” McDermott wrote. “This community graciously embraced not only me but my family and in some ways helped raise our children over the last 9 years. For that I say thank you to all the teachers, coaches, and friends whom we met along the way… the City of Good Neighbors! We Love You! We will miss Buffalo.”
A special shoutout to Bills Mafia in McDermott’s farewell
There was no way McDermott wasn’t going to say goodbye to the city without addressing the fans. Plenty of times throughout his career, McDermott has come to the defense of the Bills Mafia, showering them with love and support over the years, understanding that the fan base is the lifeblood of the organization. Once again, McDermott nailed it.
“Bills Mafia, you are one of one! It has been a joy and inspiration to witness your passion and commitment first hand,” McDermott wrote. “I always wanted our teams to play with the same level of toughness and grit that is true to Buffalo and that you demonstrate every day! God gave me and my family an incredible opportunity, one that we will cherish for the rest of our lives. Yet we know that HE has a plan.”
The last bit made me tear up a little bit. Let me be, I’m human.
“Thank you for allowing me to serve as your head coach,” McDermott wrote.
Sean McDermott didn’t just coach the Buffalo Bills; he became part of the city’s fabric. The ending may feel cold, but the impact won’t fade anytime soon. Buffalo will remember him, even if the organization didn’t say enough when it mattered most.
Buffalo Bills News
Bills veteran leaves nothing to the imagination with explosive statement about Sean McDermott’s firing
The locker room is clearly divided over the recent decision.
