Buffalo Bills head coach history

Sean McDermott

McDermott is the head coach for the Buffalo Bills since the 2017 season, a total of eight years. McDermott's record as the team's head coach was 85-44-0, making him the most successful head coach in Buffalo Bills history. The team made it to the playoffs six times (2017, 2019-2023) and had a 5-6 record under Coach McDermott in playoff games.

Rex Ryan

Ryan was the head coach for the Buffalo Bills in the 2015-2016 seasons, a total of two years.

Doug Marrone

Marrone was the head coach for the Buffalo Bills in the 2013-2014 seasons, a total of two years.

Chan Gailey

Gailey was the head coach for the Buffalo Bills in the 2010-2012 seasons, a total of three years.

Dick Jauron

Jauron was the head coach for the Buffalo Bills in the 2006-2009 seasons, a total of four years.

Mike Mularkey

Mularkey was the head coach for the Buffalo Bills in the 2004-2005 seasons, a total of two years.

Gregg Williams

Williams was the head coach for the Buffalo Bills in the 2001-2003 seasons, a total of three years.

Wade Phillips

Phillips was the head coach for the Buffalo Bills in the 1998-2000 seasons, a total of three years. Phillips' record as the team's head coach was 29-19-0, making him the third-most successful head coach in Buffalo Bills history. The team made it to the playoffs two times (1998-1999) and had a 0-2 record under Coach Phillips in playoff games.

Marv Levy

Levy was the head coach for the Buffalo Bills in the 1987-1997 seasons, a total of eleven years. Levy's record as the team's head coach was 110-65-0, making him the second-most successful head coach in Buffalo Bills history. The team made it to the playoffs eight times (1988-1993, 1995-1996) and had a 11-8 record under Coach Levy in playoff games. In 1990, the Buffalo Bills faced off against the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXV. The Bills lost, 19-20. In 1991, the Buffalo Bills faced off against the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl XXVI. The Bills lost, 24-37. In 1992, the Buffalo Bills faced off against the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XXVII. The Bills lost, 17-52. In 1993, the Buffalo Bills faced off against the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XXVIII. The Bills lost, 13-30.

Hank Bullough

Bullough was the head coach for the Buffalo Bills in the 1986 season. Bullough's record as the team's head coach was 4-12-0, making him the third-least successful head coach in Buffalo Bills history.

Kay Stephenson

Stephenson was the head coach for the Buffalo Bills in the 1983-1985 seasons, a total of three years. Stephenson's record as the team's head coach was 12-36-0, making him the third-least successful head coach in Buffalo Bills history.

Chuck Knox

Knox was the head coach for the Buffalo Bills in the 1978-1982 seasons, a total of five years. The team made it to the playoffs two times (1980-1981) and had a 1-2 record under Coach Knox in playoff games.

Jim Ringo

Ringo was the head coach for the Buffalo Bills in the 1977 season. Ringo's record as the team's head coach was 3-11-0, making him the second-least successful head coach in Buffalo Bills history.

Lou Saban

Saban was the head coach for the Buffalo Bills in the 1962-1965, 1972-1976 seasons, a total of nine years. The team made it to the playoffs four times (1963-1965, 1974) and had a 2-2 record under Coach Saban in playoff games.

Harvey Johnson

Johnson was the head coach for the Buffalo Bills in the 1971 season. Johnson's record as the team's head coach was 1-13-0, making him the least successful head coach in Buffalo Bills history.

John Rauch

Rauch was the head coach for the Buffalo Bills in the 1969-1970 seasons, a total of two years.

Joe Collier

Collier was the head coach for the Buffalo Bills in the 1966-1968 seasons, a total of three years. The team made it to the playoffs one time (1966) and had a 0-1 record under Coach Collier in playoff games.

Buster Ramsey

Ramsey was the head coach for the Buffalo Bills in the 1960-1961 seasons, a total of two years.


Buffalo Bills head coach record

Coach Years Record Win percentage Playoff record
Sean McDermott 2017-2024 85-44-0 65.9% 5-6
Rex Ryan 2015-2016 15-16-0 48.4% 0-0
Doug Marrone 2013-2014 15-17-0 46.9% 0-0
Chan Gailey 2010-2012 16-32-0 33.3% 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 1987-1997 110-65-0 62.9% 11-8
Hank Bullough 1986 4-12-0 25.0% 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 1977 3-11-0 21.4% 0-0
Lou Saban 1962-1965, 1972-1976 68-54-4 55.6% 2-2
Harvey Johnson 1971 1-13-0 7.1% 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

Buffalo Bills head coach facts

  • Buster Ramsey was the first head coach in Bills history in 1960.
  • Marv Levy coached the most seasons as the Bills's head coach at eleven seasons.
  • Sean McDermott is the current head coach, starting ahead of the 2017 season.