Photo Cred: foxsports.com
It can be tough rooting for a team when your hometown squad has been eliminated. Regardless, we all look for something to cheer for, and this year is no exception. Former Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid faces off against his old defensive coordinator Sean McDermott. In a game that will certainly have several story lines, we look to show a brief history of these two coaches.
Andy Reid’s Coaching Tree
Andy’s tree extends across the NFL, with some notable names like John Harbaugh, Ron Rivera, and Matt Nagy currently serving as head coaches. One of Andy’s most impressive groups was the 1999 crew. This staff consisted of Rod Dowhower (OC), the legendary Jim Johnson (DC), Brad Childress (QB), Steve Spanguolo (QC/D Asst), Juan Castillo (OL), Ron Rivera (LB), Leslie Frazier (DB), Pat Shurmur (TE), John Harbaugh (ST), and Sean McDermott (Scouting). I would of course be remiss if I did not also add that Doug Pederson was the backup quarterback that year. Although this team would go 5-11, this launched successful tenures for the staff in the NFL. Most notably at this moment is Coach McDemott.
Sean’s Journey from Philly to Buffalo
Although originally from Omaha, Nebraska, McDermott grew up in Pennsylvania, where he graduated from La Salle College High School in Wyndmoor. After his time at William & Mary, Sean joined the Birds in 1998 in the scouting department. He rose through the ranks over the next decade, and eventually took over for Jim Johnson after his decline in health and unfortunate passing. Sean’s brief time as coordinator went poorly, as he led one of the worst defenses that we saw during Andy’s tenure. Per ESPN, Sean's Defense allowed 31 touchdown passes in 2011, with the worst red-zone D in the entire league. He was fired in 2011, but quickly joined forces with his former associate Ron Rivera. McDermott became the DC for the Carolina Panthers, who not only went to Super Bowl 50, but became one of the more stout defenses in the NFL. Finally, after two decades earning his stripes, McDemott was hired as Bills Head Coach in 2017. Sean has done favorably in Orchard Park, as several playoff appearances, along with Allen’s emergence under center, has put the Bills back in the spotlight.
Andy vs Sean
The Chiefs and Panthers faced off twice during Sean’s time with Carolina, and the Chiefs won in 2012 and 2016. McDermott and the Bills have played Kansas City twice since Sean took over in 2017. They have split those 2 games (2017 & 2020), with Andy recently victorious this past October. KC won the game 26-17 in Buffalo, and now Big Red and the Chiefs are 3 point favorites this weekend as they host the Bills (per FanDuel). The winner, of course, will advance to the Super Bowl.
Whether you root for former Eagles or not, this should certainly be an exciting matchup. Mahomes and Allen are rising stars, and the battle between mentor and pupil should be fun to watch. Personally, I’m rooting for McDermott here, and hopefully It can be back to back Super Bowl titles for former Philly coaches.
As always, Go Birds!
-Mike Barrera