Written by Mike Rodak at ESPN.com
The Buffalo Bills ended their latest head-coaching search on Wednesday, agreeing to hire Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott to succeed the fired Rex Ryan.
McDermott, 42, was one of four coaches to interview for the Bills’ vacancy, along with interim coach Anthony Lynn, Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Harold Goodwin and Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Kris Richard.
McDermott had interviewed for a second time with Buffalo ownership on Wednesday in Boca Raton, Florida.
“We believe we have hired a smart, determined and hard-working head coach who has been training for many years to achieve this goal,” Bills co-owner Terry Pegula said in a statement. “Sean is an ambitious leader who has the desire to lead this organization to compete for and ultimately win a Super Bowl. We look forward to working with Sean for many years to come.”
It remains unclear how much control McDermott will have over the Bills’ roster and personnel decisions. General manager Doug Whaley had final say over the 53-man roster during Ryan’s two-year tenure, though sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter earlier this month that the Bills were planning on giving their new coach more power within the organization. Both Whaley and Ryan reported directly to Pegula.
In recent days, sources said McDermott had received encouraging answers to his questions about the team’s front-office structure and how it would work day-to-day if he took the job. McDermott is not seeking “control,” sources said, as much as he is seeking specifics about who is responsible for what and how they’ll all work together.
“I am very appreciative of the opportunity to become the Buffalo Bills’ new head coach and join the rich tradition of Bills football,” McDermott said in a statement. “I am looking forward to connecting with our players, Bills staff and the passionate fan base. I want to thank Terry and Kim, and I look forward to working with Doug and the entire football department.”
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