The Buffalo Bills wasted little time reshaping their future after parting ways with Sean McDermott. Within days, the organization promoted offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach, signaling a clear commitment to continuity around franchise quarterback Josh Allen.
The move was decisive and bold. But according to Stephen A. Smith, it also removes any remaining excuses for why the Bills should not be competing for a Super Bowl.
Josh Allen faces a career low eased by personal joys
Speaking during a debate about pressure among elite quarterbacks, Smith made it clear that both Allen and Brady are now squarely on the clock.
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“I say [Josh] Allen and [Joe] Brady because Brady is not new,” Smith said while discussing who faces more pressure to win a Super Bowl between Lamar Jackson and Allen.
He followed that up with a sharper assessment that cut directly to the core of the Bills’ situation: “You were the offensive coordinator. They kept the dude in-house. So chemistry and cohesiveness remain intact.
“Your defense wasn’t as bad as Baltimore Ravens. Josh Allen is still that guy. And so, as a result, what possible excuse could you have if Brandon Beane gives you a tweak here and there to elevate the roster?”
Continuity brings clarity and pressure
Rather than forcing Allen to learn yet another offensive system – a fourth in nine NFL seasons – the Bills opted for stability.
Under Brady during the 2025 season, Allen posted a passer rating of 102.2, throwing for 3,668 yards with 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Under Brady‘s guidance, the Bills transformed into the NFL’s most productive rushing team, leading the league in attempts, yards, and rushing touchdowns.
That balance played a major role in Allen‘s MVP campaign and helps explain why the quarterback publicly endorsed Brady‘s promotion.
“I truly believe in the direction of this organization, starting from the top,” Allen said after Brady was named head coach.
The 2025 season was supposed to be Buffalo’s breakthrough, with Allen in contention for MVP honors, while traditional AFC powers like the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Cincinnati Bengals failed to reach the postseason.
Failed trades and gaping holes
The path was clear, yet the Bills still fell short. That failure has shifted the spotlight to the front office.
General manager Brandon Beane has been explicit about his intent to be aggressive this offseason, particularly as the team eyes the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency.
“I’m not going to be afraid to make moves,” Beane said while speaking with Josh Reed. “Now, I do have to make sure that I don’t do something so that we walk into a season and it’s Josh playing with guys who look like you.
“That would test his greatness. I think that would be irresponsible for me to do that. But I am always looking for ways, trying to be creative, whether it’s with the cap or contracts.”
Per reports, the Bills explored trades for Miami Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, only to be slowed by divisional pricing and leverage.
Their needs are obvious, with wide receiver and defensive tackle both urgent priorities and potential departures including Gabriel Davis, Brandin Cooks, and possibly Curtis Samuel.
Everything now points in one direction. With continuity secured, roster upgrades coming, and expectations louder than ever in Buffalo, Allen and Brady no longer have anywhere to hide if things go south.
