NEWS ANNOUNCEMENTS

Top 3 things to know from Josh Allen's press conference following Joe Brady's hire as Bills head coach

Jan 29, 2026 at 05:04 PM

Sydney Ciano

Seasonal writing associate

The Buffalo Bills have officially announced Joe Brady as the 21^st head coach in franchise history. On Thursday, Brady and general manager Brandon Beane held an introductory press conference following Brady's promotion from offensive coordinator to head coach.

Quarterback Josh Allen was also available to media on Thursday after Brady's introductory press conference. Here are the top three things to know from Allen's media availability and his thoughts on Brady's new role as head coach:

1.) 'He's a real human'

Bills owner Terry Pegula and Brandon Beane came to Allen, asking him to be a part of the head coach interviewing process.

Allen didn't take this role lightly. He knew he was, in a way, the voice of Buffalo's locker room and players. He made sure to give a different perspective, asking questions about the day-to-day structure and schedule that the players care about.

"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 Brady's family life and career stops. He commended his work ethic as a coach and his love for the game. Allen said he's confident that this will translate from the offense over to the defense and special teams.

When all was said and done, though, the decision wasn't up to the quarterback. He was a key voice during the interviewing process, but was not part of the debrief and discussion of all the candidates.

"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."

He believes some of the reasons why Brady was offered the job was because of his realness, his personality, and his professionalism throughout the rigorous interviewing 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."

Allen said he fully believes in and stands by the Bills' decision to hire Brady as their next head coach, regardless of it being his first time taking on this role.

"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."

2.) The Buffalo Bills' standard

Buffalo is ready for a Lombardi trophy. Allen said he's ready to be whatever quarterback and leader he needs to be for his head coach in order to do just that.

"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 is excited to standing behind Brady and following his lead as he takes on the head coach role. He and Brady always had open, honest communication, and that won't change. Allen said he's prepared to step up as a leader and take the next step both as a player and with his team. Whether that's more walk-throughs, meetings, or anything else Brady has in mind, Allen's all in.

"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."

He recognizes the endless hours Brady puts into his craft. During his introductory press conference, Brady said he loves working and that he views this new role as an opportunity to continue working tirelessly to reach the Bills' ultimate goal: a Super Bowl victory.

3.) Allen provides an injury and life update

During the head coach interviewing process, Allen had surgery done on his right foot. He received surgery while the debriefing period happened with the hiring team.

On Thursday, Allen said that if Buffalo had a game this week, he'd figure out a way to be out there.

"If we had a game this week, I would be playing this week, absolutely. Are you kidding me?" Allen said.

He explained that he reaggravated a previous injury. During the Cleveland game in Week 16, Allen said he broke a bone in his right foot, his fifth metatarsal.

"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.

He said he should be back for OTAs and the injury, surgery and recovery "shouldn't hinder anything."

During the offseason, Allen not only has recovery in his future, but also becoming a father. He said putting football aside, becoming a dad is the most important thing he'll ever be in his life.

"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.