Bills Fan Petition Demands Sean McDermott’s Return as Head Coach: Signature Count Revealed
Lifelong Buffalo Bills supporter Maria Maisonet initiated a petition on change.org on January 19, calling for the reinstatement of recently dismissed head coach Sean McDermott. The petition has attracted significant attention, with 62,395 signatures as of Friday evening at 8:50 p.m. ET. Maisonet expressed her feelings, stating that the decision to let McDermott go left many fans, including herself, heartbroken and confused.
“Sean McDermott has been crucial in leading our team to recent successes and is a respected figure in the Buffalo community,” Maisonet noted. McDermott’s tenure began in 2017, ending a 17-year playoff drought for the Bills. During his first season, he guided the team to the playoffs, despite missing out in his second year. The Bills then enjoyed a remarkable streak, reaching the postseason for seven consecutive years and capturing five consecutive AFC East titles from 2020 to 2024.
Sean McDermott’s Coaching Legacy
Despite his accomplishments, criticism lingers regarding McDermott’s inability to lead the Bills to a Super Bowl victory. The team reached the AFC Championship Game twice but fell short against the Kansas City Chiefs in both the 2020 and 2024 seasons. Nonetheless, McDermott remains the most successful coach of the franchise since the legendary Marv Levy, who led the team to four consecutive AFC titles from 1990 to 1993.
- Career record: 98 wins, 50 losses
- Playoff record: 8 wins, 8 losses
- Playoff appearances: 8 in 9 seasons
- Longest playoff drought ended: 17 years
The Bills’ 2025 season concluded dramatically with a 33-30 overtime defeat against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round. Just two days later, the team relieved McDermott of his duties. Bills owner Terry Pegula, alongside president of football operations and general manager Brandon Beane, addressed the media regarding this decision, suggesting the team had “hit the proverbial playoff wall” and needed fresh leadership.
Controversial Front Office Decisions
This move raised eyebrows, especially since Beane, who joined the organization from the Carolina Panthers in May 2017, was part of the decision-making team. Critiques have emerged around the fact that numerous player personnel choices under Beane have not yielded successful results. Despite this, Beane received a promotion while McDermott was let go.
Statistics highlight McDermott’s impact on the Bills. He coached the team through nearly 40% of their playoff appearances since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. Fans have expressed gratitude for his role in revitalizing the team and re-energizing the fanbase. In her petition, Maisonet stated, “Firing Sean McDermott seems like a step backward, negating all the progress we’ve made under his guidance.”
A number of McDermott’s former players, including safety Damar Hamlin and offensive tackle Dion Dawkins, have publicly wished him well following his exit. As the Bills embark on a new chapter without McDermott, the voices of devoted fans clearly indicate a strong desire for his return.
