Penn State Quarterback Assistant Departs for NFL Gig

Trace McSorley leaves Nittany Lions staff to join Buffalo Bills

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Trace McSorley, the former Penn State quarterback and current assistant coach, is leaving the program to take an offensive assistant job with the Buffalo Bills. McSorley will be reunited with new Bills head coach Joe Brady, who previously served as a graduate assistant at Penn State.

Why it matters

McSorley was praised by new Penn State head coach Matt Campbell for the insight and leadership he provided during the coaching transition. His departure represents a loss of institutional knowledge and continuity for the Nittany Lions' quarterback room.

The details

McSorley had been serving as an assistant to quarterback coach Jake Waters under new head coach Matt Campbell. He was initially brought on staff to help bridge the transition from the previous coaching regime. Campbell had spoken highly of McSorley's contributions, noting his experience and impact on the program's young quarterbacks.

  • McSorley's departure comes just three weeks after Campbell discussed retaining him on staff.

The players

Trace McSorley

Former Penn State quarterback who was serving as an assistant coach, now departing to join the Buffalo Bills.

Matt Campbell

New head coach of the Penn State football program.

Joe Brady

New head coach of the Buffalo Bills, previously served as a graduate assistant at Penn State.

Jake Waters

Quarterback coach at Penn State, who Trace McSorley was assisting.

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What they’re saying

“I think Trace is just starting how special his career has got the ability to be. You talk about one of the winningest quarterbacks, and in my mind I kept thinking about him and Rocco have very similar traits of, like, the human being and what they're about and the impact that he could have in a positive way on Rocco.”

— Matt Campbell, Penn State Head Coach (on3.com)

What’s next

The Penn State football program will need to find a replacement for McSorley on the coaching staff as they prepare for the upcoming spring practices.

The takeaway

McSorley's departure represents a loss of valuable experience and leadership for the Penn State quarterback room, as the program continues to navigate a coaching transition. His reunion with former colleague Joe Brady in the NFL presents an opportunity for professional growth, but also leaves a void on the Nittany Lions' staff.