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Bills quarterback Josh Allen expected to speak out after head coach Sean McDermott was fired.
Two days after the Buffalo Bills fired head coach Sean McDermott, owner Terry Pegula and general manager Brandon Beane addressed the media to explain the seemingly sudden decision.
With Pegula and Beane’s sometimes conflicting answers, the press conference did little to immediately win back fans’ trust. For Pegula, he knew McDermott needed to go based on franchise superstar Josh Allen’s demeanor after Buffalo’s loss to the Denver Broncos in the AFC divisional round.
“My decision to bring in a new coach was based on the results of our game in Denver,” Pegula told reporters. “I want to take you in the locker room after that game. I looked around, the first thing I noticed was our quarterback with his head down, crying.”
GettyBuffalo Bills owner, Terry Pegula, explains the decision to fire head coach Sean McDermott.
“I looked at all the other players. I looked at their faces and our coaches,” Pegula, 74, continued. “I walked over to Josh, he didn’t even acknowledge I was there. First thing I said to him was that was a catch, we all know what I’m talking about.
“He didn’t acknowledge me. He just sat there sobbing. He was listless. He had given everything he had to try to win that game. And looking around, so did all the other players on the team. I saw the pain in Josh’s face at his presser, and I felt his pain. I know we can do better, and I know we will get better.”
Pegula stressed that it wasn’t just this playoff loss, but their failure to reach the Super Bowl with Allen over the past eight years. While he said the 29-year-old quarterback did not play a role in McDermott’s sudden dismissal, fans will soon get to hear from the reigning MVP himself.
Bills QB Josh Allen Will Deliver His Own Press Conference After New Coach Is Hired
GettyBills quarterback Josh Allen at Highmark Stadium on December 28, 2025.
Syracuse.com’s Matt Parrino reported, “The expectation is that Josh Allen will hold a press conference after new Bills coach is hired based on what I’ve been told.
“Allen is appreciative of his time with Sean McDermott but has full faith in Brandon Beane and Terry Pegula and remains excited about the Bills’ future.”
The report was met with strongly mixed reactions. One fan commented, “Why on earth do the bills see the need to march out JA, for him to publicly approve of the hire?” Another person wrote, “man, that sounds like management wrote that message and gave it to you lol. I bet Allen deflects every question about mcdermott.”
With Bills Mafia’s morale at an all-time low, Allen personally championing the new hire will likely help fire up the fan base for the 2026 season.
As for how Allen is feeling right now, “A source close to Josh Allen tells me he’s appreciative of his 8 years with Sean McDermott,” The Buffalo News’ Jay Skurski posted. “Allen, I’m told, has faith in the leadership of the team under Terry Pegula and Brandon Beane, and will take an active role in participating in the upcoming head coaching interviews.”
Josh Allen Will Play a Major Role in Who In Hiring the Next Head Coach, Pegula Says
GettyBills quarterback Josh Allen will help choose the next head coach.
While Allen didn’t play a direct role in McDermott getting the axe, he will have a crucial voice on who takes over as head coach.
“The starting quarterback will be part of the team to help select a new coach,” Pegula said. “He’s going to be working with us.” Pegula didn’t divulge details on how the quarterback felt about McDermott’s exit.
“And anything else — his feelings — I want to keep that private. I don’t want this in Josh’s head. This was my decision. And I know I didn’t answer your question, but I did, I hope, in a roundabout way. His personal opinion, I keep personal.”
Candidates for the position include Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, former offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, Commanders run game coordinator Anthony Lynn, and Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
Emily Bicks covers the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Bills, Seahawks and Chiefs. She’s contributed to Heavy since 2019 and has interviewed some of the biggest stars in sports, including Jerry Rice, Shaquille O’Neal and Stefon Diggs. More about Emily Bicks
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