The Buffalo Bills organization is facing a significant change as offensive line coach Aaron Kromer announced his intent to retire from coaching during the final team meetings following their AFC Divisional Round exit. The news, delivered just before the official offseason cleanout day, has prompted thoughtful reflections from players who credited Kromer with instrumental development and fostering a positive atmosphere on the offensive front.
Kromer, who joined the Bills coaching staff in 2022, has been highly praised by players for his mentorship and innovative approach. His tenure coincided with marked improvements in the protection of quarterback Josh Allen and the establishment of a formidable rushing attack.
Players Praise Kromer's Impact and Fun Approach
During player exit interviews at One Bills Drive, the sentiment regarding Kromer was overwhelmingly positive. Third-year right guard O'Cyrus Torrence highlighted the impact Kromer had not just on technique, but on the mental approach to the game.
"He made football fun. I could definitely say that he taught me the game. He made me understand it," Torrence shared, emphasizing the crucial role Kromer played in his individual growth. Torrence noted that Kromer helped him improve the mental aspect, allowing him to focus purely on his assignment without being distracted by external pressures.
O-Line Dominance Under Kromer
The statistics from the 2024 and 2025 seasons underscore Kromer's success. In 2024, the Bills offensive line allowed the fewest sacks in the entire NFL, providing crucial protection that helped propel Josh Allen toward an MVP-caliber season. The following year, the unit became a dominant force in the ground game, leading the NFL in rushing yards. Running back James Cook capitalized on this surge, setting a career-best with 1,62 rushing yards, leading the league in 2025.
Fullback Reggie Gilliams echoed these sentiments regarding the running game's success. "I liked how we really emphasized running the ball," Gilliams stated. "So without (Kromer), we wouldn't be what we were this year, with the number one rushing leader or rushing offense."
Torrence also voiced strong support for assistant offensive line coach Austin Gund, who has been with the team since 2022 and was promoted in 2023. Gund is seen by players as integral to maintaining continuity, given his deep understanding of the existing offensive schemes and blocking schemes.
Support Remains Strong for McDermott and Brady
Despite the disappointment of another postseason exit following the loss in Denver, players were quick to rally behind Head Coach Sean McDermott and Offensive Coordinator Joe Brady. McDermott has successfully steered the Bills to at least 12 regular-season wins in four of the last six seasons, cementing the franchise as a perennial Super Bowl contender.
Linebacker Shaq Thompson spoke passionately about McDermott’s leadership style. "He just showed me how he could build a team with guys with the same mindset as him that want to run through walls," Thompson remarked. "And I believe everybody in that locker room would have ran through the wall for Coach McDermott."
Defensive Resilience and Offensive Firepower
The defensive unit, which battled significant injuries throughout the year, showed remarkable resilience. McDermott and Defensive Coordinator Bobby Babich navigated these challenges, leading to significant breakthroughs from younger players like Cole Bishop, Maxwell Hairston, and Deone Walker, while maximizing the veteran presence of players such as Jordan Poyer and Tre'Davious White. This collective effort resulted in the defense finishing No. 1 in the NFL in passing yards allowed.
"Just a resilient group. We got a lot of guys that keep fighting to the end," Bishop commented on the defense's mentality. "Our coaches do a great job helping us understand what we're doing, and they just put us in a good position."
On the offensive side, Joe Brady continued to orchestrate a high-powered attack. The offense ranked in the top three in the NFL in scoring for the second consecutive season, leading the AFC in scoring in both 2024 and 2025. Tight end Dawson Knox expressed deep appreciation for Brady's leadership.
"I'm so thankful for (Brady)," Knox said. "This whole team, this offense, has so much respect for him as a coordinator and as a man. We can feel that love that..."
As the team transitions into the offseason, the loss of Kromer represents a significant personnel shift. However, the unified support for McDermott and Brady suggests that the core leadership structure remains firmly in place as the franchise aims to translate regular-season excellence into postseason glory next year. Quarterback Josh Allen is expected to address the media later in the week, providing further insight into the team's outlook.
