NFL · AFC East · Buffalo, New York, US · Highmark Stadium
Lake-effect snow, folding tables, and a fan base that turned tailgating into performance art — the Bills are professional football's most passionate civic institution, a small-market force that has bent the NFL to its will without ever quite finishing the job.
Updated March 21, 2026
The Bills fired Sean McDermott two days after their Divisional Round loss to the Broncos, ending a seven-year tenure that produced consistent regular-season success but no Super Bowl appearances. Buffalo went 12-5, beat the Jaguars 27-24 in the Wild Card, then lost a heartbreaking 33-30 overtime thriller to Denver. The organization promoted offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach, betting on continuity around Josh Allen.
Josh Allen continues to play at an MVP-caliber level, but the franchise quarterback has now lost in the AFC Championship and the Divisional Round in back-to-back seasons. At 29, Allen is squarely in his prime, and the clock is ticking on Buffalo's ability to convert his brilliance into a championship. The Bills have been close enough to taste it but cannot seem to break through the final barrier.
Joe Brady inherits a roster still loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. As the former OC who helped design Allen's offense, Brady brings continuity and familiarity. But consecutive playoff exits raise uncomfortable questions, and Brady must find the missing piece that turns deep runs into a championship before the window closes.