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Josh Allen, Bills Dealt Disappointing News After Playoff Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Parker Johnson | Last updated Jan 18, 2026 12:18 PM ET

Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills had their Super Bowl hopes extinguished by Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos in the AFC divisional round of the playoffs on Saturday. Allen turned the ball over four times in the 33-30 overtime loss at Empower Field at Mile High, including an interception in overtime that led to Denver's game-winning field goal by Wil Lutz.

The Bills quarterback completed 25 of 39 passes for 283 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. He ran 12 times for 66 yards and fumbled three times, losing two.

Through tears, Allen told reporters after the game, "I feel like I let my teammates down tonight."

The morning after Buffalo's season ended, Allen and his team got more disappointing news. The Athletic's Michael Silver reported that Bills offensive line coach Aaron Kromer is expected to retire.

"One bit of news: Bills OL coach Aaron Kromer is expected to retire following yesterday's defeat," Silver said in a post on X. "Has had a long and impressive coaching career."

One bit of news: Bills OL coach Aaron Kromer is expected to retire following yesterday's defeat. Has had a long and impressive coaching career.
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) January 18, 2026

Kromer, 58, has been the Bills offensive line coach since 2022. He has also been an OL coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, Oakland Raiders and Los Angeles Rams, helping 16 different linemen make the Pro Bowl along the way.

In 2023 and 2024, Kromer's group with the Bills allowed the fewest sacks in the NFL, keeping Allen clean as he claimed NFL MVP in 2024.

The trend did not continue this season. Allen was sacked by the Broncos three times on Saturday, taking his season total, including the playoffs, to 44 sacks, a single-season career high. Allen's sack total in 2023 and 2024 combined, including playoffs, was 45.

Looking toward the future, the Bills have left tackle Dion Dawkins and right tackle Spencer Brown under contract through 2027 and 2028, respectively. Center Connor McGovern is a key free agent in 2026, but the foundation of Allen's offensive line at the tackle position would give their next coach a great place to start.

In any case, the potential loss of a veteran coach adds another disappointing layer to the way the season ended for Allen and the Bills.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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