The Buffalo Bills are heading into the offseason facing some notable changes, and one of them is already official: veteran offensive line coach Aaron Kromer is retiring.
Kromer, a respected figure in NFL coaching circles, wraps up his second stint in Buffalo. He returned to the Bills in 2022 and has been a stabilizing force for their offensive line ever since. His first run with the team came back in 2015 and 2016, and throughout both tenures, he built a reputation as a technician-someone who could mold units into cohesive, tough, and smart groups up front.
His résumé speaks for itself. Kromer served as the interim head coach for the New Orleans Saints for six games in 2012 and was part of their Super Bowl-winning staff, overseeing the offensive line that helped power one of the most dynamic offenses in league history. That kind of experience doesn’t just grow on trees, and his departure leaves a noticeable void in Buffalo’s coaching ranks.
Originally from northern Ohio, Kromer’s football journey started at Margaretta High School just outside Sandusky before he went on to play at Miami (OH). That Midwestern grit and football IQ followed him into his coaching career, where he became known for developing linemen who could both protect the quarterback and pave the way in the run game.
For the Bills, the timing of Kromer’s exit adds another layer of complexity to an offseason already filled with questions. Two starting offensive linemen-Connor McGovern and David Edwards-are set to hit free agency. That means Buffalo could be looking at significant turnover in the trenches, which is never ideal when you’ve got a franchise quarterback like Josh Allen to protect.
Kromer’s retirement doesn’t just mark the end of a coaching chapter-it underscores a transition moment for the Bills. The offensive line has been a point of emphasis in recent years, and now, without Kromer’s steady hand, the team will need to find a new leader to guide that unit forward. Whoever steps into that role will have big shoes to fill, both in terms of technical expertise and the trust he built with players.
As Buffalo regroups from a tough playoff loss to Denver, the focus now shifts to retooling-not just the roster, but the coaching staff as well. And with Kromer stepping away, the Bills’ path forward just got a little more challenging.