Bills QB Josh Allen 'Very Emotional' After Head Coach Firing

Allen feels responsible for Sean McDermott's dismissal following playoff loss to Broncos

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:07pm

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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen expressed deep emotions over the firing of head coach Sean McDermott shortly after the team's divisional round playoff loss to the Denver Broncos. Allen acknowledged he feels partly responsible for McDermott's departure, saying if he had "made one more play" in the overtime defeat, the coach may have kept his job.

Why it matters

The Bills' early playoff exit and McDermott's dismissal mark a disappointing end to a season with high expectations in Buffalo. As the team's star player, Allen's reaction underscores the significance of the coaching change and the challenges the franchise faces in the offseason to improve the roster and return to the postseason.

The details

The Bills lost to the Broncos 33-30 in overtime in the divisional round after beating the Jacksonville Jaguars in the wild card game. With the rival New England Patriots representing the AFC in the Super Bowl, the end of the Bills' season was especially painful. Allen, who has led the Buffalo offense in recent years, says he feels partly responsible for McDermott's firing and the development is weighing heavily on him.

  • The Bills lost to the Broncos in the divisional round playoff game on January 14, 2026.
  • Sean McDermott was fired by Bills owner Terry Pegula shortly after the playoff loss.

The players

Josh Allen

The Buffalo Bills' starting quarterback who has led the team's offense in recent seasons.

Sean McDermott

The former head coach of the Buffalo Bills who was fired shortly after the team's playoff loss.

Terry Pegula

The owner of the Buffalo Bills who fired head coach Sean McDermott.

Joe Brady

The new head coach of the Buffalo Bills, hired after the firing of Sean McDermott.

Khalil Shakir

The Bills' leading receiver in the 2025 season with 72 receptions for 719 yards and 4 touchdowns.

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What they’re saying

“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, Quarterback (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Bills have hired offensive coordinator Joe Brady as their new head coach, so a dramatic change in philosophy is not expected for the 2026 season. However, the team will need to focus on bringing in new receiving talent to support Allen in the passing game.

The takeaway

Josh Allen's emotional reaction to the firing of head coach Sean McDermott underscores the significance of the coaching change for the Bills and the challenges the franchise faces in the offseason to improve the roster and return to the postseason after a disappointing end to the 2025 campaign.