Josh Allen finally broke his silence on one of the most jarring offseasons in Buffalo Bills history. On Thursday, the franchise quarterback stepped to the podium and addressed everything at once: Sean McDermott’s firing, Keon Coleman chatter, his own lingering injury, and the emotional weight of how fast things changed.
The headline moment wasn’t the walking boot or the roster talk. It was Allen owning the moment. Fully. Publicly. And without deflection.
Josh Allen Shoulders Responsibility for Sean McDermott’s Exit
Speaking to reporters, Allen admitted he believes his performance in the Bills’ AFC Divisional Round loss to the Denver Broncos played a role in McDermott’s firing. The Bills entered the postseason as the No. 6 seed, but expectations stayed sky-high because of No. 17. When they fell short, ownership made a call that reshaped the franchise.
Allen didn’t dodge it. He leaned into it. As first reported by Matthew Bove of WKBW, Alex Brasky of SI, and multiple local outlets, Allen said he felt responsible for how things unfolded.
Brasky reported, “I have nothing but love and respect for Coach McDermott… I had part in (his firing). If I make one more play in Denver, we’re not sitting here right now having this press conference. We’re prolly getting ready to play another game.”
Josh Allen on Sean McDermott: “I have nothing but love and respect for Coach McDermott… I had part in (his firing). If I make one more play in Denver, we’re not sitting here right now having this press conference. We’re prolly getting ready to play another game.”
— alex brasky (@alexbrasky) January 29, 2026
While Bove reported, “I’d be lying if I was sitting here saying I didn’t have part in it. If I make one more play in Denver we’re probably not having this press conference.”
Josh Allen said he was very emotional when he found out Sean McDermott was fired.
“I’d be lying if I was sitting here saying I didn’t have part in it. If I make one more play in Denver we’re probably not having this press conference.”
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) January 29, 2026
That sentiment echoed comments made earlier by Bills owner Terry Pegula, who acknowledged the Broncos’ loss weighed heavily in the decision to move on. For Allen, it cut deeper. McDermott was the only head coach he’d known in the NFL. That chapter ended abruptly.
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According to WGZR reporter Jonathan Acosta, Allen described his reaction as “very emotional.” He said Pegula personally informed him of the decision, after which Allen immediately called McDermott to thank him for their time together.
“Very emotional.” – Josh Allen on his reaction to hearing of Sean McDermott’s firing.
Say he has a lot of respect for McDermott and called him immediately upon hearing the news.
Allen says he feels like he has a part in McDermott being fired.#BillsMafia @WGRZ pic.twitter.com/mhSUsk1ZbZ
— Jonathan Acosta (@JAcostaTV) January 29, 2026
Andy Young of Spectrum News 1 reported, “Josh Allen said he was very emotional when learning from Terry Pegula that Sean McDermott was fired. He called McDermott immediately and thanks McDermott for their time together.”
Josh Allen said he was very emotional when learning from Terry Pegula that Sean McDermott was fired. He called McDermott immediately and thanks McDermott for their time together.
— Andy Young (@AndyYoungTV) January 29, 2026
With McDermott out, general manager Brandon Beane promoted offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach, officially launching a new era. Brady’s familiarity offers continuity, but the shift still places more responsibility squarely on Allen’s shoulders.
The press conference also included a health update. Allen confirmed he recently underwent surgery on his foot after playing through a broken bone during the playoffs. Despite being on crutches, he said he would’ve played through it if the Bills were still alive. The projected recovery timeline is 8-10 weeks, putting him on track for OTAs.
New coach. New tone. Same expectations. And now, a quarterback owning everything that comes with it.
