 In 2014 McDermott coached Leeds in the 2014 Challenge Cup Final victory over the Castleford Tigers at Wembley Stadium, their first Challenge Cup win since 1999.They were knocked out of the playoffs against Catalans Dragons after finishing 6th in the league, their worst position since 1996.In 2015 McDermott coached Leeds to a historic treble, winning the Challenge Cup 50-0, scoring a last second try against Huddersfield Giants to win the League Leaders' Shield, and beating Wigan Warriors in a major final for the first time by 22-20 in the 2015 Super League Grand Final victory at Old Trafford.