• Faith: Christian
• Career: Coach
• Birthday:  March 21, 1974

Although he was born in Omaha, Nebraska, Sean Michael McDermott grew up in the Philadelphia suburb of West Chester, where his love for football likely first blossomed.

Being a recognized leader in sports didn’t begin with coaching in the pros, but playing in high school. At La Salle College High School in Philadelphia, McDermott was named All-Southeastern Pennsylvania at defensive back in 1992 and was also a national prep champion wrestler in 1992 and 1993.

At the College of William and Mary, his teammate was future Pittsburgh Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin, who was named an All-Conference Safety in 1997. Two years later, he joined his alma mater’s coaching staff on the scouting team. Instantly, he began being scouted by the NFL for his eye for talent and scouting.

In 2001, the Philadelphia Eagles called, marking the beginning of his professional coaching career. At that time, he was an assistant to the head coach, Andy Reid. McDermott was with the team until 2010, when he held five more coaching jobs, including:

• Defensive assistant and quality control – 2002-2003

• Assistant defensive backs – 2004-2006

• Linebackers – 2007

• Defensive backs – 2008

• Defensive coordinator – 2009-2010

For five more years, he made a considerable name for himself as the Carolina Panthers’ Defensive Coordinator from 2011 to 2016. Usually making the short lists for several teams each year, 2017 was the magical year when the Buffalo Bills called, looking for a defensive-minded coach, and finally gave the team hope to visit the Super Bowl. He has led the Bills to the playoffs seven of his eight years at the helm, including five consecutive AFC East Divisional Championships. Additionally, he reached the AFC Conference Championship twice in 2020 and 2024, but lost to the Chiefs both times.

Sean McDermott’s Religious Beliefs

Sean McDermott has been moderately vocal about his faith in Jesus. Yet, when Damar Hamlin experienced a cardiac arrest on the field in a January 2023 game against the Cincinnati Bengals that changed. Following that tragedy, millions of prayers were sent to Hamlin and the Buffalo Bills via social media. Additionally, millions of dollars were earned for the Buffalo Bills’ Christmas toy drive that year.

Hamlin was making calls later in the same week. The healing, expression of love and hope for Hamlin’s restoration struck him tremendously. He was seen on television, fighting back tears, talking about his player. Since then, he has said that “I just want to praise God for that victory” and has been seen praying for his team in the locker room.

At a press conference that same week, McDermott said, “Glory to God for His keeping Damar and his family in the palm of His hand over the last couple of days and His healing powers.”

McDermott also praised the first responders, officiating crew, the Bills and Bengals medical teams, and the doctors and nurses at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where Hamlin recovered in the ICU. He also said the “faith, hope and love that have been displayed over the last three days have been nothing short of amazing.”