Super Goals, Lofty Ranking: Is Bills' Sean McDermott a Top 10 NFL Coach?
He's got the new contract in his bank, the surplus of talent on his team and, now, also the lofty ranking number besides his name. Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott seems to have everything in 2023 ... including the pressure to finally make a Super Bowl.
Since he took over in 2017, McDermott's Bills have earned 62 regular-season wins, tied with the Baltimore Ravens for the third-most. However, they are only 4-5 in the playoffs including a disappointing home loss to the Cincinnati Bengals last January.
Recent spat with star receiver Stefon Diggs notwithstanding, the coach is armed with stars like quarterback Josh Allen and pass-rusher Von Miller. The Bills are again predicted to compete for an AFC East title, earn a playoff berth and make a strong push for the Super Bowl.
In the big picture, McDermott's teams have underachieved. He has his detractors. But also - including a new ranking of NFL head coaches - plenty of fans.
Last week, the analytics geeks at Pro Football Focus ranked McDermott No. 9. Now comes CBS Sports' list and he moves up a notch to No. 8.
Writes CBS, "It's fitting that he hails from the Andy Reid tree, because his run as Bills HC has been somewhat reminiscent of his old boss' first steps, guiding elite contenders who can't quite get over the hump. Poke at the runner-up playoff record if you wish, but four straight years of 10+ wins, MVP-level growth from Josh Allen and consistently good "D" means he belongs in the upper class."
CBS' rankings have the Kansas City Chiefs' Andy Reid at No. 1, followed by the San Francisco 49ers' Kyle Shanahan at No. 2 and future Hall of Famer Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots at No. 3.
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