Sean McDermott is the former head coach of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills. The 51-year-old was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on March 21, 1974. He has been married to Jamie McDermott since 1999. The couple has three children: Maddie, Gavin, and Kelly. Their eldest daughter, Maddie, has committed to playing softball at the University of Notre Dame.
McDermott began his career as a safety for La Salle College High School and the College of William & Mary. He was a standout defensive back and graduated in 1997 with a degree in finance.
As a player, he was a walk-on who became team captain and an All-Atlantic 10 Conference selection. He switched to coaching in 1999. He is one of the most successful defensive minds in NFL history and has led many teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles, the Carolina Panthers, and the Bills.
After his recent dismissal from Buffalo, he has become one of the most sought-after head coaching candidates in the 2026 coaching carousel.
Sean McDermott’s Salary
McDermott earned $8 million every year coaching the Bills under his contract extension that ran through 2027. He earned only $2 million per year when he joined the Eagles as an assistant in 1999.
What is Sean McDermott’s Net Worth in 2026?
As per Celebrity Net Worth’s report, McDermott has an estimated net worth of $20 million. A major part of his total earnings comes from his coaching contracts with the Philadelphia Eagles, Carolina Panthers, and Buffalo Bills.
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 Most Valuable NFL Teams in 2025
Sean McDermott’s Contract
McDermott signed a contract extension with the Buffalo Bills in June 2023 that kept him under contract through the 2027 season at approximately $8 million per year. He joined the Bills on January 11, 2017, after spending six seasons as the Carolina Panthers’ defensive coordinator.
He was fired on January 19, 2026, after nine seasons, with the team owing him approximately $16 million in remaining guaranteed money.
Sean McDermott’s Coaching Career
Philadelphia Eagles (1999-2010)
McDermott began his NFL coaching career in 2001 as an assistant to head coach Andy Reid and worked his way up through the ranks. He served as a defensive assistant/quality control coach from 2002-2003, an assistant defensive backs coach from 2004 to 2006, a linebackers coach in 2007, and a DB coach in 2008.
In 2009-2010, McDermott was promoted to defensive coordinator, replacing the legendary Jim Johnson. During his tenure with the Eagles, the defense consistently ranked among the league’s best.
The Eagles reached Super Bowl XXXIX following the 2004 season, though they fell short to the New England Patriots. McDermott contributed to six division titles and five NFC Championship game appearances during his time in Philadelphia.
Also Read: What is John Harbaugh’s Salary, Net Worth in 2026?
Carolina Panthers (2011-2016)
McDermott joined the Carolina Panthers as defensive coordinator in 2011 after being fired by the Eagles. The Panthers’ defense consistently ranked in the top 10 in multiple categories under his tenure.
McDermott orchestrated a historic defense that led the team to a 15-1 regular season record in 2015 and Super Bowl 50. That defense ranked 6th in total defense, 1st in interceptions, 6th in sacks, and allowed only 15.1 points per game.
The defense ranked second in total defense in 2013, 10th in 2014, and 10th in 2016, and posted top-ten performances in takeaways over the final four years of McDermott’s tenure.
Buffalo Bills (2017-2026)
McDermott was hired by the Buffalo Bills on January 11, 2017, becoming the franchise’s head coach for the first time. In his inaugural season, he led the team to a 9-7 record and snapped an 18-year playoff drought.
Over nine seasons, he compiled a 98-50 regular-season record and an 8-8 playoff record. Under his guidance, the Bills made eight playoff appearances in nine seasons, won five consecutive AFC East division titles from 2020 to 2024, and reached two AFC Championship Games (2020 and 2024), both of which ended in losses to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Also Read: What is Zac Taylor’s Salary and Net Worth in 2026?
McDermott’s defenses ranked in the top ten for fewest yards allowed six times and finished in the top ten for takeaways eight times during his tenure. His 2025 defense ranked 1st in passing yards allowed (156.9 yards per game) despite injuries throughout the season.
However, despite achieving unparalleled regular-season success, McDermott was unable to lead the Bills to a Super Bowl appearance, even with elite quarterback Josh Allen on his roster. The Bills fired him on January 19, 2026, following a 33-30 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round.
Also Read: What is Mike Tomlin’s Salary and Net Worth in 2025?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many Super Bowls did Sean McDermott win?
Sean McDermott has never won a Super Bowl as a head coach. However, he was part of Super Bowl-winning organizations as a defensive assistant and coordinator. He contributed to the Philadelphia Eagles’ 2004 Super Bowl XXXIX appearance and coordinated the defense for the Carolina Panthers’ 2015 Super Bowl 50 appearance.
What is the average salary of an NFL coach?
The average salary of an NFL head coach is around $6.6 million annually. Top earners include the Chiefs HC Andy Reid, the Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh, and the Giants HC John Harbaugh, each earning approximately $20 million per year.
Is Sean McDermott married?
Sean McDermott is married to Jamie McDermott. The couple met in high school at La Salle College High School in Pennsylvania and tied the knot in 1999. They have three children: Maddie, Gavin, and Kelly. Maddie has committed to play softball at the University of Notre Dame.
How much do NFL assistant coaches make?
NFL assistant coaches make around $5.5 million every year on average. However, defensive coordinators at the NFL level often earn significantly more than average assistants, sometimes reaching $2-3 million annually.
Does Sean McDermott have a degree?
Sean McDermott has a degree in finance. He graduated from the College of William & Mary in 1997, where he was an All-Atlantic 10 Conference safety and team captain in his senior season.
