Overview
- The Bills lost a 33-30 overtime divisional game in Denver in January 2026 in which Josh Allen had four turnovers, a result that preceded owner Terry Pegula’s decision to fire Sean McDermott days later.
- Pegula cited the emotional fallout from the Denver loss, including Allen’s visible reaction, as a factor in ending McDermott’s nine-year run despite a 98-50 regular-season record.
- In an interview published in early August 2026, Allen told The Athletic he still blames himself for plays that helped lead to McDermott’s firing and said he was heavily involved in the search for McDermott’s successor.
- The Bills promoted offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach to preserve offensive continuity with Allen, a move that keeps expectations high but puts Brady under immediate scrutiny to deliver postseason progress.
- Buffalo’s organizational changes — a new head coach, a new stadium and additions such as WR D.J. Moore — have increased optimism about a Super Bowl run while also raising pressure on Allen, the coaching staff, and the roster to convert regular-season success into playoff wins.