"HE has a plan": Sean McDermott breaks silence with emotional statement after Bills’ shocking firing following painful playoff loss

Sean McDermott's firing has left Western New York quiet, reflective, and searching for meaning after a season that ended in heartbreak rather than celebration. It is rare for a city to grieve a coach, yet Buffalo finds itself doing exactly that.

Just two days after an overtime playoff loss to the Broncos, the Bills made a decision that reshaped their future. The move was swift, emotional, and heavy with consequence. McDermott, the man who helped restore pride and belief, was dismissed without ever delivering the Super Bowl the city craved.For nine seasons, McDermott stood as the face of Buffalo’s football rebirth. When he arrived in 2017, the Bills carried the weight of the NFL’s longest playoff drought. That burden lifted quickly. Playoff appearances became routine.

Winning seasons followed one after another. Still, January failures lingered. From the infamous 13 seconds collapse to the most recent postseason sting, those moments slowly defined his legacy as much as his success.

Sean McDermott firing closes a defining chapter in Buffalo

Hours after his dismissal, McDermott released a statement that captured the bond he built with the franchise and its people.“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.

“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 our community.

This community graciously embraced not only me but my family and in some ways helped raise our children over the last nine years. 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.“Bills Mafia, you are one of one! It has been a joy and inspiration to witness your passion and commitment first hand. I always wanted our teams to play with the sam 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.“Thank you for allowing me to serve as your head coach. God bless, Sean McDermott.”McDermott exits as the second winningest coach in franchise history, posting a 98-50 record and seven straight double digit win seasons. More than numbers, he reshaped how Buffalo sees itself. He defended the city, earned the respect of his players, and raised expectations that once felt unreachable. He may not have finished the journey, but he changed the road forever.