Buffalo Bills History

The Buffalo Bills are in their sixty-fourth season, playing their home games at Highmark Stadium, in Orchard Park, New York since 1973. The Bills are led by head coach Sean McDermott since 2017.

The Bills have won two championships in their history, most recently in 1965.

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Franchise Award Winners

In 1980, head coach Chuck Knox won Coach of the Year after leading the team to a 11-5-0 record.

During their careers, multiple players have won awards for the team: Jim Haslett won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1979; Thurman Thomas won the Most Valuable Player in 1991 and the AP Offensive Player of the Year in 1991; O.J. Simpson won the Most Valuable Player in 1973 and the AP Offensive Player of the Year in 1973; Doug Flutie won the Comeback Player of the Year in 1998; Shane Conlan won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1987; Dennis Shaw won the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1970; Bruce Smith won the AP Defensive Player of the Year in 1990 and 1996; Bryce Paup won the AP Defensive Player of the Year in 1995; Jack Kemp won the AP AFL Player of the Year in 1965; Cookie Gilchrist won the AP AFL Player of the Year in 1962.

Buffalo Bills by the Decades

1960s

The Buffalo Bills' inaugural season was 1960. During the decade, the Bills had a record of 65-69-6 during the regular season and 2-2 in the playoffs. They played their home games at War Memorial Stadium. They won zero division titles. The Bills ranked 2nd in the Eastern division with a win percentage of 49%. They won two league championships in 1964 and 1965.

1970s

During the decade, the Bills had a record of 51-91-2 during the regular season and 0-1 in the playoffs. They played their home games at War Memorial Stadium (1970-1972) and Rich Stadium (1973-1979). They won zero division titles. The Bills ranked 5th in the AFC East division with a win percentage of 36%. In 1973, the Bills moved from Buffalo, New York to Orchard Park, New York.

1980s

During the decade, the Bills had a record of 69-83-0 during the regular season and 2-4 in the playoffs. They played their home games at Rich Stadium. They won three division titles. The Bills ranked 4th in the AFC East division with a win percentage of 45%.

1990s

During the decade, the Bills had a record of 103-57-0 during the regular season and 10-8 in the playoffs. In fact, the one hundred and three wins represents the most wins in a decade for the Bills. They played their home games at Ralph Wilson Stadium. They won four division titles. The Bills ranked 1st in the AFC East division with a win percentage of 64%.

2000s

During the decade, the Bills had a record of 66-94-0 during the regular season and not a single game in the playoffs. They played their home games at Ralph Wilson Stadium. They won zero division titles. The Bills ranked 5th in the AFC East division with a win percentage of 41%.

2010s

During the decade, the Bills had a record of 71-89-0 during the regular season and 0-2 in the playoffs. They played their home games at New Era Field. They won zero division titles. The Bills ranked 2nd in the AFC East division with a win percentage of 44%.

2020s

During the decade, the Bills had a record of 48-18-0 during the regular season and 5-4 in the playoffs. They played their home games at Highmark Stadium. They won four division titles. The Bills ranked 1st in the AFC East division with a win percentage of 73%.

Buffalo Bills Head Coaching History

Head Coach Years Record Win percentage Playoff record
Sean McDermott 2017-2023 73-41-0 64.0% 5-6
Rex Ryan 2015-2016 15-16-0 48.4% 0-0
Anthony Lynn 2016 0-1-0 0.0% 0-0
Doug Marrone 2013-2014 15-17-0 46.9% 0-0
Chan Gailey 2010-2012 16-32-0 33.3% 0-0
Perry Fewell 2009 3-4-0 42.9% 0-0
Dick Jauron 2006-2009 24-33-0 42.1% 0-0
Mike Mularkey 2004-2005 14-18-0 43.8% 0-0
Gregg Williams 2001-2003 17-31-0 35.4% 0-0
Wade Phillips 1998-2000 29-19-0 60.4% 0-2
Marv Levy 1986-1997 114-77-0 59.7% 11-8
Elijah Pitts 1995 10-6-0 62.5% 1-1
Hank Bullough 1985-1986 6-26-0 18.8% 0-0
Kay Stephenson 1983-1985 12-36-0 25.0% 0-0
Chuck Knox 1978-1982 37-36-0 50.7% 1-2
Jim Ringo 1976-1977 5-23-0 17.9% 0-0
Lou Saban 1962-1965, 1972-1976 68-54-4 55.6% 2-2
Harvey Johnson 1968, 1971 2-25-1 8.9% 0-0
John Rauch 1969-1970 7-20-1 26.8% 0-0
Joe Collier 1966-1968 14-26-2 35.7% 0-1
Buster Ramsey 1960-1961 11-16-1 41.1% 0-0

Franchise history

Franchise history guide

Seasons with a championship win Seasons with a conference championship

Franchise facts