Shaq Thompson Reunites with Sean McDermott, Calls Him a Coach Players “Want to Run Through a Wall For”

In the world of professional football, loyalty, trust, and mutual respect often go further than playbooks and schemes. For veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson, a new chapter in his NFL journey feels more like a homecoming—and it’s all because of one man: Sean McDermott. As Thompson reteams with his former defensive coordinator—now the head coach of the Buffalo Bills—he is showering praise on a figure he considers not just a coach, but a motivator and leader of men.

Thompson’s reunion with McDermott has sparked major buzz in Buffalo and beyond. The 30-year-old linebacker, known for his leadership and high football IQ, didn’t mince words when discussing what McDermott means to him.

This powerful endorsement reflects a deep connection that traces back to their time together with the Carolina Panthers. McDermott served as the Panthers’ defensive coordinator from 2011 to 2016, and Thompson was drafted by the team in 2015. Under McDermott’s tutelage, Thompson blossomed into a cornerstone of a defense that would help push Carolina to an appearance in Super Bowl 50.

That bond never faded, even as McDermott moved on to lead the Bills as head coach in 2017 and transformed the franchise into an AFC powerhouse. Now, with Thompson donning new colors and stepping into a new locker room, he brings with him years of experience—and a fire stoked by reuniting with a coach who always knew how to get the best out of him.

Thompson’s loyalty to McDermott is no accident. Their working relationship was forged in the crucible of high-pressure NFL seasons, tight playoff races, and relentless pursuit of excellence. McDermott’s defensive philosophies helped develop Thompson into one of the league’s most versatile linebackers—a player who can both crash the line of scrimmage and drop back into coverage with equal skill.

Coach Mac knows how to get the most out of every guy in the room,” Thompson explained. “He treats you like a professional, but he also holds you accountable. He doesn’t just demand your best—he brings it out of you.”

Thompson added that McDermott’s style of leadership—firm yet empathetic—makes him a rare figure in professional sports. According to Thompson, it’s McDermott’s personal touch that sets him apart.

The Bills already boast a talented defensive unit, but the arrival of Thompson is expected to add both depth and veteran leadership—something that cannot be overstated in a locker room eyeing a Super Bowl run. The fact that Thompson comes in with McDermott’s full trust only adds weight to his presence.

Buffalo’s defense has been among the league’s elite for several seasons under McDermott’s guidance. However, injuries and postseason heartbreak have left a lingering sense of unfinished business. Thompson’s presence—and his deep-rooted trust in the coach—may provide the exact emotional and competitive spark the team needs.

There’s a poetic quality to Thompson’s arrival in Buffalo. Having entered the league under McDermott’s watch, and now returning to play for him nearly a decade later, Thompson’s journey feels like a full-circle moment.

Fans are already excited about what this reunion could mean for the Bills’ 2025 season. Thompson’s knowledge of McDermott’s defensive system, coupled with his leadership abilities and on-field tenacity, could be a game-changer. But beyond schemes and stats, what’s most evident is the emotional bond between coach and player—a bond that may now drive the Bills to new heights.