The Buffalo Bills held their final team meetings and locker clean out at One Bills Drive on Sunday, following their AFC Divisional loss to the Denver Broncos. Several players spoke with the media about the end of their season, changes in the coaching staff, and what lies ahead.
During these discussions, players addressed offensive line coach Aaron Kromer’s decision to retire. Right guard O’Cyrus Torrence reflected on Kromer’s influence: “He made football fun. I could definitely say that he taught me the game. He made me understand it.” Torrence also noted Kromer’s role in helping him develop mentally as a player, saying, “Coach Krom helped me improve the mental part of the game, just being able to go out there and lock into my job and understanding of what I’m doing and not letting what’s happening around me affect my play.”
Kromer joined the Bills in 2022 and was credited with improving the team’s offensive line performance. In 2024, Buffalo allowed the fewest sacks in the NFL while quarterback Josh Allen won MVP honors. The following year, Buffalo led the league in rushing yards, with running back James Cook achieving a career-best season.
Fullback Reggie Gilliams commented on Kromer’s impact: “I liked how we really emphasized running the ball. So without (Kromer), we wouldn’t be what we were this year, with the number one rushing leader or rushing offense.”
Torrence also expressed support for assistant offensive line coach Austin Gund: “He’s been here since I’ve been here. He knows the offense. He knows how we block.”
Players voiced strong backing for head coach Sean McDermott as well. Under McDermott’s leadership, Buffalo has won at least 12 regular season games in four of six seasons and consistently reached playoff contention.
Linebacker Shaq Thompson said about McDermott: “He just showed me how he could build a team with guys with the same mindset as him that want to run through walls. And I believe everybody in that locker room would have ran through the wall for Coach McDermott.”
Despite injuries throughout 2025, defensive coordinator Bobby Babich and McDermott guided younger players like Cole Bishop while relying on veterans such as Jordan Poyer and Tre’Davious White. As a result, Buffalo finished first in pass defense by yards allowed.
Bishop described his experience: “Just a resilient group. We got a lot of guys that keep fighting to the end. Our coaches do a great job helping us understand what we’re doing, and they just put us in a good position.”
On offense, coordinator Joe Brady led Buffalo to top-three scoring rankings for two consecutive years and achieved status as AFC’s highest-scoring offense both seasons.
Tight end Dawson Knox praised Brady’s leadership: “I’m so thankful for (Brady). This whole team, this offense, has so much respect for him as a coordinator and as a man. We can feel that love that he has for us, not only as football players but as men too off the field and how our families are doing.” Knox added regarding Brady’s future: “Selfishly I’d love to have him back. I’d love to say he’s a terrible coach so no one else will hire him, but that’s not the truth… Hopefully he’s back next year, but we definitely want the best for him, and I’m very, very thankful for my time with him.”
Brady is reportedly being considered for head coaching positions by several NFL teams including Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, and Miami Dolphins.
Quarterback Josh Allen is expected to address reporters later this week regarding these developments.
