The Buffalo Bills made a change at head coach after the team’s overtime exit in the Divisional Round of the playoffs to the Denver Broncos back in mid-January.
Sean McDermott had lead the time for the best part of a decade, and had overseen the development of Josh Allen from raw talent into one of the NFL’s most devastating quarterbacks since the turn of the 21st century.
In the wake of his departure, the team ultimately landed on promoting offensive coordinator, Joe Brady, to the head coaching role, citing his ability to get the most out of Allen – with his sole MVP year coming under Brady’s stewardship as OC – and turn what was once a weakness of the team – at running back – into the league’s top rushing offense.
However, despite Allen’s excitement in seeing his offensive coordinator remain with the team and get rewarded for his impressive tenure on that side of the ball, the All-Pro QB expressed regret and guilt about the final play of the postseason that saw the Bills lose the game, which ultimately cost McDermott his job.
“f I make one more play, that game in Denver, we’re probably not having this press conference right now. We’re probably not making a change. In all honesty, we’re probably getting ready to play another game.”
Josh Allen Feels Guilty About Head Coach Dismissal
“Josh Allen feels like he had “a part ” in Sean McDermott’s firing.” Around the NFL’s Jeremy Bergman posted on X on Thursday, before quoting Allen’s comments to the media.
“[I]f I make one more play, that game in Denver, we’re probably not having this press conference right now. We’re probably not making a change. In all honesty, we’re probably getting ready to play another game.”
What Are the Areas of Improvement Needed in 2026?
Ultimately, the goal for any Bills HC will be to present owner, Terry Pegula with a Super Bowl ring and Lombardi Trophy.
Despite having arguably the best quarterback in football – and certainly the most talented – a borderline top-5 offensive line and a top-10 total defense last season, Buffalo was unable to get past second year QB, Bo Nix, and their stingy defensive unit.
The first orders of business will be to improve the pass rush, and perhaps even more importantly: surround Allen with top-tier skill-position players, particularly at receiver.
Despite an excellent performance from the secondary – who allowed the second fewest passing yards from opposing QBs last season – the pass rush generated the seventh-fewest sacks last season, with defensive end, Greg Rousseau leading the team with just 7.
On the offensive side, the Bills struggled to get solid WR1-quality production from any of their array of wideouts, with Khalil Shakir – who signed a $60.2 million extension last offseason – unable to make that next leap in his fourth year in the league.
Whilst former 33rd overall pick, Keon Coleman, is still struggling to justify his draft position with his production, which also saw him take a stray from Pegula in the wake of McDermott’s firing and general manager, Brandon Beane’s promotion.
Josh Allen Makes Admission About Sean McDermott Firing