Mcdermott, Bills Must Create Clear Plan

After the Bills introduced Sean McDermott as the 20th head coach in team history, one thing became perfectly clear: McDermott is, in fact, the antithesis of Rex Ryan in just about every way imaginable.

At his introductory press conference, McDermott came across as humble and down to earth. Intelligent, but not boastful. Confident, but not cocky.

Does this mean he is the right choice to lead the Bills in 2017 and beyond? Is he the right man to get this team over the hump and into the playoffs for the first time since 1999?

Apologies to those expecting a scorching hot take. The truth of the matter is this: We’ll see.

Bills founder Ralph Wilson used to say that you don’t know what you’ve got in a head coach until you work closely with him. We’ll find out soon enough about McDermott. The Bills have had no shortage of hope and optimism with each head-coaching change over the past two decades — with mixed and ultimately disappointing results.

Gregg Williams brought a strict, disciplinarian approach designed to counteract Wade Phillips’ folksy, laid-back style. Remember the air horns at training camp? It all rubbed veteran players the wrong way, and by the time Williams changed to a more player-friendly philosophy it was too late.

The Bills offense was reinvigorated for a short time under Mike Mularkey. But Mularkey had trouble overseeing his entire staff, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, and buckled at times under the pressure and scrutiny. He ultimately would resign after a change at general manager.

Dick Jauron brought a defensive pedigree and was beloved by his players for not working them too hard as a “players coach.” Problem was, he wasn’t a very good head coach. The Bills hovered around .500 throughout his tenure (7-9! 7-9! 7-9!) before eventually bottoming out.