The Buffalo Bills did a complete 180 in hiring Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott instead of former interim head coach Anthony Lynn. Here’s how they compare. 

By John Sarianides

3 Thoughts on Sean McDermott

1. Experienced and Proven Coach: Sean McDermott has been one of the top defensive coaches in the NFL for years. McDermott learned at the feet of the late Jimmie Johnson in Philadelphia as a position coach. He is detail oriented and knows how to maximize his talent.

2. Lets His Coaching Do the Talking: McDermott is the opposite of former Bills coach Rex Ryan. He will not be a media darling. He will coach the football team and focus on winning games not appeasing his players or entertaining the local media like Ryan did. 

3. Fits What the Bills Want: The Bills wanted a coach who would focus on coaching the players he has, not acquiring the players he doesn’t. McDermott will leave that up to general manager Doug Whaley. He will utilize a multiple offense and a 4-3 defense so it’ll be easy for Whaley to acquire players because most players available fit those schemes. 

3 Thoughts on Anthony Lynn

1. He’s An Offensive Guy: Offensive coaches are easier to sell on your fan base. Anthony Lynn did a good job with the Bills offense when he took over for Greg Roman after week three. The Bills were tougher to defend because they were more multiple and Lynn did a good job of using his players and getting the most out of them, especially LeSean McCoy.

2. He’s a Players Coach: Being a players coach could be a blessing and a curse. Lynn is a players coach but he is also disciplined and tough on his players when he needs to be. As a former a player in the league, Lynn understands what it takes to play in the NFL and he can relate to his players at another level.

3. Continuity: Lynn would have provided continuity for the players had the Bills hired him. That being said, I get why the Pegula’s didn’t hire Lynn. They wanted a clean break from Rex Ryan and his staff. 

Buffalo’s loss however is L.A’s gain as the Chargers are getting an excellent first time head coach in Lynn.

So. Who should the Bills have hired? Sean McDermott or Anthony Lynn? I would have hired McDermott as well. The Pegula’s needed to make a clean break from Rex Ryan and his staff and by hiring McDermott, they did that.

McDermott is a good coach. He will do a good job if the Pegula’s are patient and give him time to turn things around.