Josh Allen Reflects on McDermott’s Exit, Embraces New Era Under Joe Brady
The Buffalo Bills are heading into a new chapter, and it’s one that begins with a major shift at the top. After eight seasons, Sean McDermott is out as head coach, and offensive coordinator Joe Brady is stepping into the lead role. It’s a move that carries weight-not just for the organization, but for quarterback Josh Allen, who didn’t shy away from the emotional side of the transition.
Allen, speaking candidly, admitted that McDermott’s departure hit hard. And not just because of the coach-player bond they built over nearly a decade, but because Allen can’t help but replay the what-ifs from that Divisional Round loss in Denver.
“I’m sitting in my house, I wake up to a call from Mr. Pegula, telling me what had transpired,” Allen recalled.
“And I called Coach McDermott immediately. I’ve got nothing but love and respect for Coach.
He’s been there through all the ups and downs of my career, and honestly, my life.”
Allen didn’t sugarcoat the sting of the moment. He knows that one more play-one more conversion, one more touchdown-might’ve changed everything.
“We’re probably not having this press conference right now,” he said. “We’re probably getting ready to play another game.”
That honesty is part of what’s made Allen a leader in Buffalo. He’s not just taking accountability-he’s carrying the weight of a franchise that’s been knocking on the door of greatness for years now. And while the page is turning, the respect for what McDermott built is still front and center.
“He set the trajectory for this team,” Allen said. “And for that, I’ll always be thankful.”
Now, the Bills turn to Joe Brady-a familiar face, but a new voice in the top job. And if you’re wondering how Allen feels about that? Let’s just say he’s all in.
“I’m very much looking forward to Joe and everything that entails with him becoming the head coach,” Allen said. “I believe in his vision.
I believe in what he’s talked about in the quarterback room. The mindset, the togetherness-‘you with us.’
That stuff matters.”
Brady’s been in the building. He’s been in the huddle.
And now, he’s got the keys. Allen praised not just Brady’s football mind, but the man behind it-calling him a leader, a family man, and someone the locker room can rally behind.
“I can go on and on about how good of a coach I think Joe is,” Allen added. “But he’s also a great human being. And I think our guys will respond positively to this.”
Brady’s Confidence in Keon Coleman: “I Stood on the Table for Him”
Before the Brady hire became official, another storyline had already started to gain traction: the Bills’ commitment to rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman. And Brady didn’t just support the pick-he made it clear he was one of the loudest voices behind it.
“I told Keon when I got hired, the best thing that happened to Keon Coleman was me being his head coach,” Brady said. “I was one of the ones that stood on the table for Keon, and I believe in him.”
That belief isn’t just about what Coleman can become-it’s rooted in what Brady saw during the draft process. The confidence, the raw talent, the flashes of playmaking that made Coleman a first-round target.
Brady’s message? That potential is still very much intact.
“He’s going to continue to grow,” Brady said. “But the elements we saw in the draft process-the confidence I have in him and his ability-those are still there. As long as he’s taking care of his responsibilities off the field, I have no doubt he’ll be successful on it.”
And for anyone wondering about Coleman’s future in Buffalo, Brady didn’t mince words.
“Keon Coleman is going to be on our football team,” he said. “He knows how I feel about him. He knows how much I love him, and the faith I still have in him.”
Jets Coaching Carousel: Gruden Denies Rumors, Glenn Reshapes Staff
Over in New York, the Jets are going through a shake-up of their own-but it’s happening behind the scenes. Despite swirling rumors, former head coach Jon Gruden shot down any talk of joining Aaron Glenn’s staff for the 2026 season.
“There’s a lot of stupid rumors out there,” Gruden said. “Let’s just say there was never anything from the Jets. I wish them well in their search for a new offensive coordinator.”
Meanwhile, Glenn has been busy reorganizing his coaching staff. According to reports, he had early conversations with veteran defensive coach Wink Martindale about taking over as defensive coordinator. But things have shifted-Glenn is now reportedly leaning toward calling the defensive plays himself.
That decision has had a ripple effect. Glenn met with each of his assistants after the season, and while he didn’t outright fire everyone, several were told they were free to explore other opportunities.
The result? A wave of departures that includes passing game coordinator Scott Turner, quarterbacks coach Charles London, defensive line coach Eric Washington, linebackers coach Aaron Curry, assistant defensive backs coach Dre’ Bly, nickel coach Alonso Escalante, and defensive assistant Roosevelt Williams.
Martindale was initially viewed as the favorite for the DC role after a second interview, but Glenn’s intention to call plays may have changed that calculus. Lions assistant Jim O’Neil was considered a fallback option, but he’s now staying in Detroit after signing an extension.
The message from Glenn? This is going to be his defense. And he’s making the moves to shape it in his image.
As the Bills and Jets both head into new eras, one thing’s clear: leadership changes are just the beginning. The decisions made over these next few months-on the field and off-will define what comes next.