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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 last January.
As the Broncos prepared for the AFC championship game, the Bills had to pack their bags for the offseason. Shortly afterward, team owner Terry Pegula noted the belief that the Bills had indeed reached a “playoff wall” under Sean McDermott and decided it was time for a change.
McDermott’s nine-year career in Buffalo ended in January, launching the search for the Bills’ next head coach. Once the process began, star quarterback Josh Allen had a say in the decision.
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Then-Buffalo Bills interim offensive coordinator Joe Brady watches 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 meeting with Pak Gazette Digital, Allen reflected on reviewing candidates with Bills’ top brass and attending interviews during the search.
“It was different,” Allen said. “There was no time to think about what happened before it actually moved on to the next thing… and (I was) trying to help as much as I could. 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 of from the players’ point of view, it was really cool to see that side too. Hopefully I’m not done playing, but that whole front office mentality and seeing How It Works opened my eyes.”
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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 inviting me to those meetings and at least listening to what I had to say.”
After working with several candidates, Buffalo ultimately chose familiarity. The Bills elevated offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach, a move that drew some opposition from critics who pointed out his place on a staff linked to multiple frustrating playoff exits. Brady’s role had changed over time, from quarterbacks coach to interim offensive coordinator and finally the team’s full-time offensive coordinator.
Buffalo has been eliminated in the divisional round in three of the last four seasons.
For Allen, Brady’s promotion doesn’t seem to indicate a dramatic change. The quarterback said their existing relationship has made the transition feel natural, even as Brady takes on a larger role.
“It’s pretty much the same, it’s very authentic.” Allen told Pak Gazette Digital. “Joe seems like the most real guy you’ll ever meet. But now he’s cheering for the defense, which is a new team that we didn’t get to see as offensive coordinator. He obviously wants to kick the defense’s butt now. But now that I throw an interception, he’s cheering for 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)
“However, it’s great to see him accept (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 so excited for the season.”
Beane said the Bills were not obligated to hire an offensive-minded coach, although most of the candidates’ backgrounds focused on offense. Brady was the first candidate to get an interview.
Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane talks with quarterback Josh Allen (17) after practice at the Buffalo Bills training facility in Orchard Park, New York, on July 28, 2021. (Mark Konezny/USA TODAY Sports)
For Bills decision-makers, Brady’s appeal went beyond his offensive experience. As the search took shape, what seemed to resonate most was how closely it matched Beane and Pegula’s “CEO” vision. 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 general manager is taken up scouting, watching players or a coach in their scheming Xs and Os, so we have to make sure we have the leadership, the CEO part.”
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Allen hasn’t been the only Bills offensive player to have notably praised Brady since he took over as interim coordinator during the 2023 season. Wide receiver Khalil Shakir was among the group who shared messages of support shortly after Brady’s promotion to head coach was announced.
“Joe’s great, man. Obviously, [my] His career took off a little bit once Joe took over, so I have a lot of love for him and the trust he’s had in me. … I’m very grateful for everything he does,” 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 very grateful for [Brady]”And this entire team, this offense has a lot of respect for him as a coordinator and as a man.”
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Allen continued his 2024 NFL MVP campaign by leading the Bills to a wild-card round 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 savoring these first moments. Thank you so much for the love and well wishes.”
