Buffalo Bills Former Head Coach Anthony Lynn Issued a Stunning Letter to Current Head Coach Sean McDermott Concerning QB Josh Allen, that he..
In a rare and powerful moment that has shaken the foundation of Buffalo’s football culture, former Buffalo Bills head coach Anthony Lynn has sent a heartfelt and stunning open letter to current head coach Sean McDermott. The letter, focused on star quarterback Josh Allen, delivers not only deep insight into the nature of quarterback leadership but also a heartfelt plea for long-term vision and care—both for Allen as a player and as a person.
Lynn, who served as the team’s interim head coach in 2016 before moving on to lead the Los Angeles Chargers, remains a respected voice in NFL circles. While his time in Buffalo was short, his passion for the organization and the city never faded. In his open letter, Lynn didn’t hold back, calling Allen “a generational talent, yes—but more than that, the emotional heartbeat of Buffalo.”
A Plea to Preserve, Protect, and Empower
“Josh Allen is not just your franchise quarterback—he’s your legacy,” Lynn wrote in the opening paragraphs of the letter. “I’ve coached long enough to know the signs of greatness. And I’ve seen how fast that greatness can be worn down—by expectations, by injuries, by systems that don’t evolve with the player. Sean, this is more than football. This is stewardship.”
The letter, reportedly handwritten and later transcribed for the team and media, is equal parts wisdom and warning. Lynn praised McDermott for his steadfast leadership during the team’s modern resurgence but also pointed out concerns that have simmered quietly in recent seasons—namely, Allen’s physical toll and the lack of offensive balance.
“You’ve built a defense that Buffalo can be proud of. But Josh has carried the offense on his back for too long. Every hit he takes, every scramble that ends with a linebacker in his ribs, chips away at what could be a 15-year career,” Lynn continued. “That’s not sustainable. And frankly, it’s not fair to him.”
Leadership, Legacy, and the City of Buffalo
Throughout the letter, Lynn reflected on what it means to lead in a football town like Buffalo—where fans live and breathe the team, and where quarterbacks become more than athletes; they become symbols.
“Buffalo doesn’t ask for flash. Buffalo doesn’t care about theatrics,” Lynn wrote. “This city asks for grit, honesty, and heart. Josh gives that every single time he takes the field. But someone has to make sure there’s something left of him by the time he’s 30.”
Lynn advocated for an increased commitment to player protection through coaching strategy—calling on McDermott to push the offensive coordinator to lean into a more dynamic running game and short-yardage efficiency that limits Allen’s need to improvise under pressure.
He also highlighted the importance of surrounding Allen with a nurturing locker room culture and veteran voices who “don’t just want rings, but want to build roots.”
“This Isn’t Just About 2025”
Perhaps the most emotionally resonant part of the letter came toward the end, where Lynn reminded McDermott that great players often outlive great coaching careers in the eyes of fans—but it’s the bond between the two that history remembers.
“This isn’t just about 2025,” Lynn emphasized. “This is about what people will say in 2040. Will they say you burned out your quarterback chasing a ring? Or will they say you built a legacy—together—that redefined what it meant to play in Buffalo?”
McDermott’s Response and Community Reaction
Though Coach McDermott has not publicly commented on the letter, sources within the organization confirm he was “deeply moved” by it and has shared it with members of his coaching staff. Several players, including team captain and center Mitch Morse, reportedly read portions of the letter aloud in the locker room.
Fans across social media have rallied behind Lynn’s words, with hashtags like #ProtectJosh and #LegacyInTheMaking trending regionally.
Sports analysts have praised Lynn’s perspective as “unusually candid and essential” in today’s win-now NFL culture. ESPN’s Mina Kimes called it “a letter that every front office with a star quarterback should read,” while NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah tweeted, “What Anthony Lynn just did? That’s a masterclass in leadership beyond the field.”
Final Words: A Challenge Wrapped in Respect
The letter closes with a respectful but clear challenge from one coach to another:
“You’ve been given something rare, Sean—both a quarterback and a culture that believe in each other. That’s your gift. But it’s also your responsibility. Don’t let the weight of expectations keep you from doing what’s right for the long haul. History is watching. And so is Buffalo.”