Josh Allen hasn’t said a word publicly since the Bills’ heartbreaking overtime playoff loss to the Denver Broncos - a game that ended in tears and left Buffalo’s fanbase stunned. He skipped the usual day-after media availability and hasn’t commented on the team’s major shakeup: the firing of head coach Sean McDermott. But while Allen’s been quiet, the organization around him has been anything but.
On Wednesday, Bills owner Terry Pegula and general manager Brandon Beane - now also newly promoted to President of Football Operations - faced the media for nearly an hour to explain the decision to part ways with McDermott. Amid a whirlwind of questions and shifting narratives, one thing became crystal clear: Josh Allen will have a real voice in the team’s search for its next head coach.
Allen’s Role in the Coaching Search
Pegula didn’t mince words when asked about Allen’s involvement.
“The starting quarterback will be part of the team to help select a new coach. He’s going to be working with us,” Pegula said.
“And anything else - his feelings - I want to keep that private. I don’t want this in Josh’s head.
This was my decision... His personal opinion, I keep personal.”
Translation: Allen’s not calling the shots, but he’s definitely in the room when the big conversations happen. And that makes sense.
He’s not just the face of the franchise - he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the league. In today’s NFL, elite quarterbacks aren’t just playmakers on Sundays; they’re often part of the strategic direction of the franchise.
Especially when it comes to picking the person who’ll be designing the offense and managing the locker room.
Offensive Lean in the Coaching Search
It’s no shock, then, that the Bills are leaning heavily toward offensive minds in their early round of interviews. When a defensive head coach like McDermott is let go, the pendulum often swings the other way. And for a team built around a quarterback like Allen, it’s only logical to look for someone who can maximize his talents.
Here’s who the Bills have lined up so far on the offensive side:
- Joe Brady, the current offensive coordinator, who stepped into the role midseason and helped stabilize the offense.
- Brian Daboll, the former Giants head coach and Bills OC, who played a key role in Allen’s early development.
His name carries serious weight in Buffalo.
- Anthony Lynn, the Commanders’ run game coordinator and a familiar face in Buffalo, having served as both an assistant and interim head coach in the past.
- Grant Udinski, Jacksonville’s offensive coordinator, who’s been part of a creative, up-tempo offense with the Jaguars.
It’s a group that blends familiarity with fresh ideas, and it’s clear the front office is prioritizing coaches who not only understand offensive football, but also understand Allen - either directly or by reputation.
Don’t Forget the Defensive Candidates
That said, the Bills aren’t putting all their eggs in the offensive basket. Interviews have also been scheduled with a couple of respected defensive coordinators:
- Lou Anarumo from the Colts, who’s built a tough, disciplined unit in Indianapolis.
- Anthony Weaver from the Dolphins, another rising name in coaching circles.
More names will surely enter the mix, but it’s notable that Buffalo’s casting a wide net - even if the early momentum seems to favor someone who can work closely with Allen.
Allen’s Silence - and Significance
As for Allen himself, his silence is doing a lot of talking. He’s reportedly dealing with a foot injury that will require a procedure this offseason, and the emotional toll of the playoff loss - and now the coaching change - may understandably be keeping him out of the spotlight for now.
But make no mistake: Allen’s presence looms large over everything the Bills do this offseason. Pegula’s comments confirm what most fans already suspected - that Allen’s input will carry weight in this coaching search. And while the quarterback may not be front and center right now, his influence is baked into every decision the front office is making.
Where the Bills Go From Here
The Bills are entering one of the most pivotal offseasons in recent memory. There’s still plenty of talent on the roster, but the clock is ticking on their championship window. A new head coach will bring new energy and likely a new vision for how to get this team over the hump.
The good news for Bills Mafia? Josh Allen will be part of shaping that vision. And while the front office has taken its share of criticism in recent days, the franchise’s most important player remains fully in the fold - and fully invested in what comes next.