ESPN Reveals Why Bills HC Sean McDermott Isn’t Receiving More NFL Coach of the Year Buzz

As the NFL season barrels toward its conclusion, the race for Coach of the Year (COTY) honors is heating up. Yet, surprisingly, Buffalo Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott has not been a prominent name in the conversation. ESPN analysts recently weighed in on this puzzling oversight, identifying several factors that might explain why McDermott’s name isn’t being mentioned as often as it arguably should.

Consistency Breeds Overlooked Excellence

One of the main arguments ESPN highlighted is the “consistency conundrum.” Under McDermott, the Bills have become one of the most stable and successful franchises in the NFL, making the playoffs in four of the past five seasons and frequently competing for the AFC title. However, this consistency may ironically work against him when it comes to awards like COTY, which often favor coaches who oversee dramatic turnarounds or exceed preseason expectations.

ESPN’s Field Yates put it bluntly: “Coach of the Year is often awarded based on narrative. McDermott has built a team that’s expected to win 12-13 games every season. The remarkable consistency might be why he’s overlooked—people take it for granted.”

Injury Challenges and Resilience

This season, McDermott has faced significant challenges, including injuries to key players like linebacker Matt Milano and cornerback Tre’Davious White. Despite these setbacks, the Bills have remained competitive in the tough AFC East, demonstrating McDermott’s ability to adapt and keep his team in contention.

ESPN’s Mina Kimes noted: “Losing leaders like Milano and White could derail most teams, but McDermott has found ways to keep the defense playing at a high level. That’s a testament to his coaching, even if it doesn’t grab headlines.”

Expectations Are a Double-Edged Sword

Another reason for the lack of buzz is the high expectations that surround the Bills every season. With a superstar quarterback in Josh Allen and a roster stacked with talent, McDermott is expected to win. This makes it difficult for him to stand out among peers who are guiding underdog teams to surprising success.

ESPN’s Ryan Clark explained: “When you’re expected to be great, it’s harder to impress. Coaches like Dan Campbell in Detroit or DeMeco Ryans in Houston have compelling stories. McDermott’s story is ‘he’s doing what he always does’—and that doesn’t grab voters’ attention.”

A Shifting Narrative

Despite the lack of recognition, McDermott’s contributions this season haven’t gone unnoticed by those who follow the NFL closely. Analysts have praised his strategic acumen, particularly as he’s taken on more responsibility with the defense this year.

ESPN’s Louis Riddick highlighted McDermott’s tactical expertise: “He’s shown he can evolve. Taking over defensive play-calling this season and keeping that unit competitive despite injuries is no small feat.”

Could the Tide Turn?

While McDermott may not be a front-runner for Coach of the Year at this point, there’s still time for his efforts to gain recognition. If the Bills make a late-season surge and secure a top playoff seed, the narrative could shift in his favor.

“If Buffalo finishes strong and makes a deep playoff run,” Yates added, “it’s going to be impossible to ignore McDermott’s role in keeping this team among the NFL’s elite.”

Conclusion

Sean McDermott’s absence from the COTY spotlight is a reflection of the high standards he’s established in Buffalo. While the NFL’s top coaching award often gravitates toward fresh faces or Cinderella stories, McDermott’s consistent excellence deserves its own kind of recognition. Whether or not he earns the hardware, one thing is clear: Sean McDermott remains one of the league’s premier head coaches.