Sean McDermott Reportedly Named Bills Head Coach

The Buffalo Bills began their search for a new head coach after firing Rex Ryan on Dec. 27, but it reportedly ended Wednesday, as the team has hired its next head coach.

Continue for updates.

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Bills Reportedly Hire McDermott

Wednesday, Jan. 11

The Bills have hired Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott as head coach, per Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports. Dan Graziano of ESPN confirmed the deal.

Vic Carucci of the Buffalo News reported on Tuesday that the Bills were "zeroed in" on McDermott. Carucci reported on Wednesday morning that "all signs point" to McDermott landing a five-year contract from the Bills.

He "had a very good interview" with the Bills, reported Mike Garafolo of NFL.com on Jan. 6.

McDermott would like to hire former San Diego Chargers head coach Mike McCoy as his offensive coordinator if hired as a head coach, La Canfora reported on Monday. Sal Capaccio of WGR 550 noted he's heard McCoy might join the Bills in that capacity.

On Wednesday, Michael Silver of NFL.com reported if McDermott is unable to hire McCoy to be the offensive coordinator, former Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner is a candidate.

The Bills announced they interviewed McDermott on Jan. 4.

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Bills Interested in Richard

Sunday, Jan. 8

The Bills announced they would be interviewing Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Kris Richard on Jan. 8.

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Bills Have Vision for New Head Coach

Sunday, Jan. 8

ESPN's Adam Schefter (via ESPN.com news services), citing sources, reported the Bills "are planning to give their new head coach more power within the organization."

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Bills Interview Goodwin

Saturday, Jan. 7

The Bills announced they interviewed Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Harold Goodwin on Jan. 7.

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Lynn Reportedly to Be Named Full-Time HC

Thursday, Jan. 5

Wawrow reported interim head coach Anthony Lynn will interview with the Bills on Jan. 5.

On Jan. 2, La Canfora reported Lynn is expected to be named the permanent head coach. La Canfora added that once the decision is announced, the team will shift focus and target former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley to fill the vacant defensive coordinator position.

Lynn informed reporters Jan. 1 he hasn't been told he will be the team's next head coach.

"This is where I want to be," Lynn said. "Here with the Buffalo Bills."

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Coaches Reportedly 'Unimpressed' with Bills Owners

Tuesday, Jan. 3

Jason Cole of Bleacher Report reported coaches around the league have noticed how Bills owners Terry and Kim Pegula have handled the departure of Ryan and how that has impacted their perception of the franchise:

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Reich Linked to Bills

Tuesday, Jan. 3

ESPN.com's Tim McManus, citing a league source, reported the "Bills have contacted the Philadelphia Eagles about potentially interviewing offensive coordinator Frank Reich for their vacant head coach position."

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Bills Considering Joseph

Monday, Jan. 2

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the Bills have requested an interview with Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.

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Levy Willing to Rejoin Bills

Friday, Dec. 30

When asked if he would coach the Bills, former head coach Marv Levy told 104.5 The Team in Buffalo:

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[If] they offered, I might do it. It was one of those things where after 47 years of coaching I really needed to get that deep breath to step aside but after a couple of years passed I very much would have liked to come back. ... But I’d do it but I’m not deluding myself to think that the offer would come. If the offer did come I sure would consider it. Sure.

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Levy oversaw the most successful run in Bills history, from 1986 to 1997. In that time, the team went to four straight Super Bowls but lost all of them.

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Issues over Roster Control Could Limited Bills' Coaching Search

Wednesday, Dec. 28

Carucci listed several potential candidates to fill the position, including Lynn, Reich, former New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin, New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and ESPN analyst Jon Gruden.

A source told Carucci that McDaniels would be interested in interviewing with the Bills, though he "would insist on overseeing the football operation and putting together the 53-man roster."

Carucci added that candidates such as Coughlin would likely want to run the football operations, while Schwartz and Reich would want roster control, something general manager Doug Whaley is unlikely to grant a new coach.

And Whaley will bring the next coach aboard, as the Bills announced Dec. 27:

Sources indicated to Carucci that Whaley wants full roster control, however, which means someone such as Lynn—who would be more comfortable with Whaley's having full say over personnel—is more likely to be Buffalo's next head coach than a more high-profile name.

Whaley had roster control during the coaching tenures of Doug Marrone and Ryan, and the Bills have gone 30-34 in his four seasons at the helm.

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