The Buffalo Bills have found a permanent replacement for Rex Ryan. Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott will take up the role of head coach.
McDermott's hire was announced Wednesday afternoon on the team's Twitter page. He will be the 20th head coach in team history.
"We believe we have hired a smart, determined and hard-working head coach who has been training for many years to achieve this goal," Team Owner Terry Pegula said. "Sean is an ambitious leader who has the desire to lead this organization to compete for an ultimately win a Super Bowl. We look forward to working with Sean for many years to come."
The Pennsylvania native graduated from the College of William and Mary, where he played football. He went on to join the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles in 1998 filling multiple coaching roles. McDermott, 42, joined the Carolina Panthers in January 2011 as defensive coordinator.
Prior to his time overseeing the Panthers defense, McDermott spent 12 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he filled different roles while contributing to six division titles, five NFC Championship appearances and a trip to Super Bowl XXXIX.
"Sean McDermott is an excellent football coach and we feel he is the perfect leader for this team," said Bills General Manager Doug Whaley. "Sean's intelligence, leadership qualities and vision for our team impressed us throughout the interview process. I am excited about working with Coach McDermott and his staff."
McDermott said he appreciated the opportunity to "join the rich tradition of Bills football. I am looking forward to connecting with our players, Bills staff and our passionate fan base."