Bills fans rally behind Sean McDermott with 75K-signature petition after firing
Many Buffalo Bills fans were shocked when the team fired head coach Sean McDermott less than 24 hours after their 33-30 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the AFC divisional round.
McDermott is considered by many to be a top-10 coach in the league — and his resume backs that up.
The 51-year-old compiled a 98-50 record across nine seasons with eight playoff appearances, eight winning seasons, seven seasons of double-digit wins, and two AFC Championship Game appearances.
So when McDermott was fired after a 12-5 season — his sixth straight season with 11 wins or more — it rubbed many of the team’s fans the wrong way. Especially because it seemed Buffalo didn’t have a clear plan after letting McDermott go.
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In fact, Bills fans are so riled up over the McDermott news, and they’re likely underwhelmed with the candidates the Bills have interviewed — offensive coordinator Joe Brady, former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll, Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, ex-Colts quarterback Philip Rivers — that they started up a petition to have the tea reinstate McDermott as head coach.
As of Saturday night, that petition on change.org had 75,000 signatures.
“Sean McDermott has not only been a strategic mastermind behind our team’s recent successes, but he has also been an inspiring leader with a deep commitment to the Buffalo community,” Maria Maisonet, the petition’s organizer, wrote.
“… Firing Sean McDermott seems like a step backward, negating all the progress we’ve made under his guidance. The decision appears to be short-sighted, overlooking his contributions and the respect he commands among players and fans alike. Statistics back his successful tenure, with a winning percentage among one of the best in recent history for the team.
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“… Join me and many other dedicated Buffalo Bills fans in calling for Sean McDermott’s reinstatement. Sign this petition to help us show the team’s management that firing him was a mistake and that bringing him back is pivotal for the continued success of our beloved Bills.”
The petition only underscores how badly Bills owner Terry Pegula has mishandled things.
Not only did Pegula fire McDermott, he promoted general manager Brandon Beane — who many fans believe is really to blame for the team’s shortcomings — to president of football operations.
