Sean McDermott, the coach of the Buffalo Bills, is probably feeling the heat now more than ever.

Although McDermott has been a major part of the Bills’ recent rise to prominence. The Bills, which is already twice as many losses as they had during the previous campaign, and the majority of those losses have been devastating. Actually, Buffalo has only won few of those games, and all those losses have been decided by a single score.

After sacking offensive coordinator earlier, the Bills already made changes to their coaching staff. Now, a lot of supporters are more upset with McDermott. But it appears that McDermott will have a secure position going forward, at least temporarily.

According to unidentified team sources cited by Tim Graham of The Athletic, there is “zero” possibility that McDermott will not return to the Bills.

“Asked if there was any chance [Bills owner Terry] Pegula would fire McDermott, two of the sources replied ‘Zero,'” wrote Graham. “If Pegula took such a step, the other two sources claimed they would be startled. All four sources are well-versed in the Pegula-McDermott connection.”

It’s understandable why McDermott has a high degree of job security, notwithstanding the recent criticism he has received. To begin with, the coach’s contract extension with the Bills was recently revealed, keeping him in place until the 2027 campaign. However, it’s also important to take into account the team’s past before McDermott joined.

The Bills had nine different coaches in The 21st Century, including interims, before they hired McDermott in 2017. Only Wade Phillips (1998–2000) and Gregg Williams (2001–2003) ended their careers with winning records out of the group. Furthermore, McDermott’s debut season in 2017 marked Buffalo’s first postseason appearance of the century, and in his seasons with the team, he has missed the postseason just once.

By no means is McDermott a flawless coach, and given the team’s recent performance, it’s understandable why a lot of supporters are calling for a change. But it makes sense that he has a little buffer because he has led the squad to heights not seen in decades.

“Barring catastrophe, those close to Pegula insist McDermott will remain a driving force in molding the Bills’ future,” Graham stated.

Bills HC Sean McDermott discusses the roster’s condition and training camp objectives.

The media was briefed by Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott on Wednesday prior to the team’s first training camp session at St. John Fisher University in Rochester, New York.

“We think that going away to camp is a great way for us to come together, form bonds, and create the chemistry we’ll need,” McDermott stated.

Since a large portion of the Bills’ roster has changed since their previous game, a January loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional Round of the playoffs, McDermott stated that the team’s focus must be on togetherness and teamwork if they are to have a successful season.

There are a few important roster questions as the Bills start training camp. Along with selling wide receiver Stefon Diggs, general manager Brandon Beane parted ways with defensive veterans Jordan Poyer and Tre’Davious White over the summer. To strengthen the roster, he also added a talented collection of seasoned players, which included offensive lineman La’el Collins and Will Clapp in addition to wide receivers Curtis Samuel, Mack Hollins, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Chase Claypool.

The offseason actions raised concerns about drawing comparisons between this season and 2018, when Buffalo began a rebuilding project centered on quarterback Josh Allen, which led to four AFC East division titles and five seasons of postseason play. McDermott asserted, nevertheless, that 2024 is surely not 2018.

The head coach of the Buffalo Bills stated, “The way I’m looking at it this year, it’s a little different than 2018,” referring to the opportunity Buffalo has to create something truly unique. “It’s an opportunity to lead and assemble a team, and you eagerly anticipate those opportunities.”

Although McDermott acknowledges that the Bills lack a clear number-one wide receiver in Diggs, he also expressed confidence in the group’s ability to perform given the vast range of receivers they currently have. Two guys to keep an eye on are second-year tight end Dalton Kincaid and rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman.

When it comes to his rookie wide receiver, McDermott stated, “He looks like he’s ready to attack this first practice.” “He’ll have the typical challenges of a rookie, but as spring progressed, I saw him start to get more at ease.”

Regarding Kincaid, McDermott stated that the tight end’s dedication to getting better as he starts his second season in the NFL has impressed him.

He remarked, “Dalton’s hunger to grow and get better is evident,” stressing how crucial it is for the squad to watch him advance during this season.

All-Pro linebacker Matt Milano, who suffered a leg fracture in Week 5 and missed most of the 2023 season, was mentioned by McDermott as well. The linebacker will receive veteran rest days during camp, according to the head coach, who also stated that he will be handled cautiously during practice and that coaches and medical staff will monitor his improvement as he moves through camp.

McDermott recognized the obstacles that lay ahead in the very competitive AFC East. The division is expected to be fiercely contested because of formidable opponents like the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets (with quarterback Aaron Rodgers making a comeback), and New England Patriots (with rookie quarterback Drake Maye). This camp will be focused on developing toughness, according to McDermott, who highlighted it as a critical component for every player on the squad.

In addition to getting in football shape, we’ll need to develop the crucial component of toughness that we require. We need to finish this now to help carry that into the season because it’s difficult to, in essence, reinvent that in October if you’re not winning the line of scrimmage, the player stated. “You’ll see that out at practice as we move forward here and get into full pads. I really believe in that toughness element.”

The head coach of the Bills acknowledged that there is still much work to be done and that the team’s attendance and health on the first day of practice was a positive start to the season.

“As a football team and as an organization, there are many steps between where we are now and where we’re trying to get to,” McDermott stated. “Coming to camp and truly winning this first step is a critical first step.”