Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott is facing intense backlash following revelations that he once used the 9/11 terrorist attacks as an example of “teamwork” during a team meeting. According to multiple reports, McDermott referenced the hijackers responsible for the September 11 attacks as a model of group coordination — an analogy many have called inappropriate, offensive, and deeply insensitive.
“He cited the hijackers as a group of people who were all able to get on the same page to orchestrate attacks to perfection,” a source recalled from the controversial meeting. The incident reportedly occurred several years ago but resurfaced after a recent report by Tyler Dunne of Go Long, who detailed internal issues within the Bills organization.
While McDermott has since acknowledged the comment and apologized, stating that his intention was to emphasize the importance of communication and coordination, the damage has already been done. Fans, players, and commentators have expressed outrage, calling the comparison “tone-deaf” and “disrespectful” to the victims and families affected by the 9/11 attacks.
Critics argue that invoking one of the darkest days in American history in a sports context — especially to illustrate team-building — crosses a line. Many are calling for disciplinary action, with some demanding that McDermott step down or face suspension.
The Buffalo Bills organization has yet to make an official statement on whether McDermott will face consequences for the incident. As the controversy spreads across social media and sports networks, the team is under pressure to respond decisively. For now, McDermott remains head coach — but the backlash shows no signs of slowing down.