The Buffalo Bills have named Joe Brady as the 21st head coach in franchise history. The announcement was made during an introductory press conference with Brady and general manager Brandon Beane. Quarterback Josh Allen also spoke to the media, sharing his thoughts on Brady’s promotion from offensive coordinator.
Allen explained that he was involved in the interview process for the new head coach, offering input from a player’s perspective. He said he focused on how coaching decisions would affect players’ preparation and performance.
“How can players be their best when it comes down to Sunday, Monday, or Thursday – whenever we’re playing,” Allen said he emphasized.
During Brady’s interview, Allen learned more about his personal life and professional background. He praised Brady’s work ethic and passion for football, saying these qualities would benefit all aspects of the team.
“I’m sitting in these interviews and it’s – I’m not the one making the decision, right? I’m there to, to inquire, to learn, to bring a different perspective to the decision makers that were in that room and taking the personal side out of it and taking the emotion out of it and trying to look at it from a logical lens,” Allen said. “It was a unique perspective; it was a cool learning experience for me; I’m very fortunate to be regarded to being wanted in that room … I’m very thankful that my input at least is heard and whether they used anything that I had to say in their decision making or not, it’s just cool to be in that room.”
Allen believes Brady was chosen because of his authenticity and professionalism throughout the selection process.
“He’s a real human that guys can get behind and understand and play for,” Allen said. “I thought in his interview, the vision that he had for this team … He’s going to continue to keep working hard and trying to find ways for our team now to be put in successful positions.”
He expressed support for Brady despite this being his first time as a head coach.
“You don’t get head coaching experience without being a head coach. Everyone that’s been a head coach was a head coach for the first time at some point,” Allen said. “It’s his time now.”
Looking ahead, Allen stated his commitment to meeting high standards with Brady at the helm. He described mutual promises between himself and Brady regarding accountability.
“I looked at [Brady] the other day and he promised me and I promised him to hold each other to a standard and hold each other accountable and not get complacent of where we’re at,” Allen said. “So, I’m very, very much looking forward to that challenge, and continuing the chase and to chase something great.”
Allen noted ongoing open communication with Brady will continue as they work toward their goal of winning a Super Bowl.
“I’m going to continue to work on my process and continue to try to find ways to be the best quarterback that I can be,” Allen said. “How can I get better mechanically? How do I get in with [Brady] and understand our offense and to an even deeper level? That’s what I’m going to do.”
Allen also provided an update on his health following surgery on his right foot after re-injuring it during Week 16 against Cleveland. He indicated readiness if needed immediately.
“If we had a game this week, I would be playing this week, absolutely. Are you kidding me?” Allen said.
He explained further details about his injury: “They went in and took it out and cleaned it up. Obviously not an ideal situation, painful throughout the weeks,” Allen said. “Game day, different story, just being able to put that to the side and just go out there and play football.”
Allen expects full recovery by OTAs with no lasting impact from surgery or rehabilitation.
In addition, Allen shared personal news about expecting fatherhood during this offseason period: “I love being a football player and I love being a quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, but I’m looking forward to this one.” Allen said.
