There’s been a cold front moving through Buffalo lately, and it isn’t just the windchill. Since the big Bills loss this weekend, there has been one story dominating the newsfeeds of Western New Yorkers: Sean McDermott’s release from the coaching staff. In 9 seasons, McDermott led the team through 98 regular season wins, 8 playoff appearances, and 5 AFC East titles. But the former head coach’s presence in the community extends far beyond Highmark Stadium.
Outside of his position on the team, McDermott was a champion for the voiceless in Western New York through his charitable acts and advocacy work in our local non-profit sector. As a skin cancer warrior, he led annual public service campaigns to raise awareness for the importance of skin cancer prevention and screenings. He was also a frequent contributor to Make-A-Wish Western New York for brave kids in our community battling terminal illnesses. Sure, there is an element to McDermott’s legacy that rests on the athletic accomplishments of the Buffalo Bills between 2017-2025, but he’s also left his mark on the people and places that make our community great. He is – regardless of his stature in the NFL – one of Buffalo’s good neighbors.
Ripples from the news of his firing have been making waves all week long, so it seemed only fitting that the people of Buffalo turn this collective pain into purpose. As a “thank you” for his years of local contributions, Make-A-Wish Western New York has commissioned viral snow sculptor, Eric Jones, to utilize the recent snowfall in creating an ice sculpture of the former Bills head coach to promote their “Wish Your Way” campaign. As Sean McDermott was the 19th head coach in Bills franchise history, Make-A-Wish Western New York is asking for $19 donations to honor the impact his tenure has made. You can contribute to this campaign here. In addition, Eric Jones is including a t-shirt design in this campaign, with proceeds from each sale going back to Make-A-Wish Western New York. There’s no better way to cope with loss than to turn the collective shock into energy that invokes positive change.
The snow sculpture is going to be in progress through Friday, January 23rd in the lot of Prohibition 2020. You can follow Eric’s progress by connecting with him on social media @EricJonesStudios.
Calling McDermott the “former” head coach of the Bills feels unnatural and wrong, but all good things must come to an end. No matter where he goes next, he’ll always have the heart and iron will of a Buffalonian.
See the full interview on Daytime Buffalo for more details:
