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The Buffalo Bills’ long-elusive first Super Bowl title remained out of reach after a heartbreaking overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the divisional round of the playoffs in January.
While the Broncos prepared for the AFC Championship Game, the Bills were left to pack up for the offseason. Soon after, team owner Terry Pegula indicated a belief that the Bills had effectively reached a “playoff wall” under Sean McDermott and decided it was time for a change.
McDermott’s nine-year run in Buffalo ended in January, sparking the search for the Bills’ next head coach. When the process began, star quarterback Josh Allen was given a voice in the decision.
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Then-interim Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady looks on before a game against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
In a sit-down with Pakinomist Digital, Allen reflected on vetting candidates with Bill’s brass and sitting in on interviews during the search.
“It was different,” Allen said. “There was no time to think about what happened until it was really on to the next thing … and (me) trying to help as much as I can. It wasn’t my decision, it’s not my decision to (hire the coach), but to be in those interviews and (to) maybe present some ideas or present some questions that people hadn’t thought about from a player’s point of view, to see that side completely, but hopefully it wasn’t close to playing that side, but I really hope not that it was around. The front office mindset and seeing how it works was eye-opening for me.”
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“It was really interesting, it was really cool. I appreciate Mr. [Terry] Pegula and (Bills president of football operations and general manager) Brandon Beane for having me in these meetings and at least listening to what I had to say.”
After working through several candidates, Buffalo ultimately chose confidentiality. The Bills elevated offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach, a move that drew some backlash from critics who pointed to his place on a staff tied for several frustrating playoff exits. Brady’s role had changed over time, from quarterbacks coach to interim offensive coordinator and eventually the team’s full-time offensive coordinator.
Buffalo has been eliminated in the divisional round in three of the past four seasons.
For Allen, Brady’s promotion doesn’t seem to signal a dramatic shift. The quarterback said their existing relationship has made the transition feel natural even as Brady settles into a bigger role.
“It’s pretty much the same, it’s very authentic.” Allen told Pakinomist Digital. “Joe comes off as the realest guy you’ll ever meet. But he’s cheering on the defense now, which is a new side that we didn’t get to see as the offensive coordinator. Obviously he wants to kick the defense’s butt now. But now I throw an interception, he’s cheering on the defense because they made a play.”
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) leaves the field after a game against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium. (Mark Konezny/Imagn Images)
“It’s cool though to see him buy into it (and) really take control of what that defense is doing. And he understands everything they’re doing. He brought in such a good staff. We’re very excited for the season.”
Beane said the Bills were not locked into hiring an offensive-minded coach, even though the bulk of the candidates’ backgrounds centered around offense. Brady was the first reported candidate to land an interview.
Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane has a word with quarterback Josh Allen (17) after practice at the Buffalo Bills practice facility in Orchard Park, New York, on July 28, 2021. (Mark Konezny/USA TODAY Sports)
For the Bills’ decision makers, Brady’s appeal went beyond his offensive background. As the search took shape, what seemed to resonate most was how closely he matched the “CEO” vision of Beane and Pegula. had outlined.
“It’s a CEO job. It really is,” Beane told reporters in January. “A lot of your time as a head coach or GM is taken away from me scouting, looking at players or a coach in their schematic X’s and O’s, so we’ve got to make sure we get the management, the CEO.”
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Allen hasn’t been the only Bills offensive lineman to lavish praise on Brady since stepping in as interim coordinator for the 2023 season. Wide receiver Khalil Shakir was among the group sharing messages of support shortly after Brady’s promotion to head coach was announced.
“Joe’s a fool, man. It’s clear [my] The career took off a bit when Joe took over, so I got a lot of love for him and the trust he’s had in me. … Just super grateful for everything he’s doing,” Shakir said.
Then-Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady stands next to quarterback Josh Allen (17) before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on October 27, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Tight end Dawson Knox echoed that support around the same time, saying, “I’m so grateful [Brady]and this whole team, this offense has so much respect for him as a coordinator and as a man.”
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Allen followed up his 2024 NFL MVP campaign by leading the Bills to a wild-card victory in January, scoring the decisive rushing touchdown in a thriller against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He finished the 2025 regular season with 25 touchdown passes.
Allen and his wife Hailee Steinfeld welcomed their first child together in April.
“Our baby girl has arrived!!” Steinfeld wrote in a Substack titled “Special Delivery” at the time. “We feel incredibly grateful and blessed and are enjoying these early moments. Thank you so much for the love and well wishes.”
