Buffalo Bills' head coach Sean McDermott. Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Sean McDermott pays homage to Bills' legend in Week 18

Originally posted on Buffalo Bills on SI | By Khari Demos | Last updated Jan 5, 2026 12:36 PM ET

Sean McDermott has a deep love and appreciation for the history of the Buffalo Bills. So, a gesture he made on Sunday should come as no surprise to Bills Mafia.

McDermott led Buffalo to a resounding win over the New York Jets in what could be the final game played at the old Highmark Stadium. The game was circled on the calendar for months, as the Bills wore their red Super Bowl-era helmets for the first time in McDermott's tenure.

Although the Buffalo players were rocking a throwback look with their red lids, McDermott joined in on the action, wearing the vintage hat that Marv Levy often wore on the sidelines during his tenure.

By the way, hat tip (literally), to McDermot and his choice of hat/cap today #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/AARp4ZH3NG
— MeRk (@Merk256) January 4, 2026

The connection between McDermott and Levy is real. Not only are they the two winningest coaches in Bills ' history, but they have also developed a legit rapport over the years.

McDermott spearheaded a video from the team wishing coach Levy a happy 100th birthday back in August. He also called the Hall of Fame coach during episode 2 of Hard Knocks, which featured Buffalo for the first time last summer.

"He means the world to me," said McDermott to the Bills' media on Levy's 100th birthday. "He means the world to a lot of people. What he's done, what he's accomplished in Buffalo, he's a true man. And I have a ton of respect for him and admiration for him as a coach, certainly, but also him as a person."

Hats off to McDermott for being aware enough to know how important Levy is to the lore of the Bills and Highmark Stadium. And good on him for knowing how important it was for potentially the last image of him at the stadium being tied to such an integral figure in Buffalo.

Sean McDermott confirms his hat today was paying homage to Marv Levy.

“It’s really cool when a coach who’s a true legend is also a class act… I hold him in high regard.”#BillsMafia @WGRZ pic.twitter.com/EtImqNbP94
— Jonathan Acosta (@JAcostaTV) January 5, 2026