HEAD COACH LIAM COEN
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
(On the success of the offensive line despite injuries this season) “Yeah, I think Shaun [OL
Coach Shaun Sarrett], Keli’i [Assistant Offensive Line/Run Game Specialist Keli’i Kekuewa]
and Trevor [Offensive Assistant Trevor Mendelson] have done a great job of getting
everybody prepared. You really look back to the spring, minicamps, OTAs, training camps of
making sure that we rotated guys in at different positions. That’s something that I’ve always
believed in personally. Thought we did a good job when I was in L.A. doing the same thing of
at minicamp, training camp, throwing guys in different positions. And it does cause a little
discomfort even for you guys freaking out about it (laughs). I remember you asked me the
question. No, you guys, seriously, it was, ‘Oh my God, how could they do this?’ (Laughs).
But seriously, it’s the more you can do in this league. The more you can do as a coach and
as a player is always something that’s valued. Availability in this league is such a huge deal
and flexibility, and I think our coaching staff, as you mentioned, has done a great job of
keeping that group extremely tight knit, even with shuffling around and guys being a little
uncomfortable at times. But it’s a selfless position and ultimately we go as they go.”
(On Bills QB Josh Allen) “Yeah, he’s extremely impressive. I remember we played him in
2020 and we played him again in 2022, and he did some really good things against us like
stiff arming defenders, throwing the ball down the field a million miles. And I’ve got a lot of
respect for their coaching staff. I know some of the guys on the offensive staff specifically
and to watch him play, the competitor. So many playoff games, division, whatever it is, big
games, he typically shows up and makes critical plays at critical moments and that’s why
he’s been an MVP candidate for a long time.”
(On the Bills’run game and offensive coaching staff) “Yeah, they’re damn good at running
the football, man. They are. [Bills Offensive Line Coach] Aaron Cromer, I’ve learned a lot of
football from him and just sitting and listening to his meetings, his Friday running game
meetings when I was in L.A. Just going and sitting in his meetings, you learn something
every single day and he’s one of the best out there, honestly, if not the best in terms of how
long he’s done it at such a high level and at different places doing it. He’s extremely cutting
edge when it comes to the fundamentals and techniques of the position and has those
guys playing at a really high level.”
(On his wife’s “We’re Coen to the Playoffs” shirt) “Oh, that was cool, man. That was cool.
Yeah, I think Gabe and his girlfriend ended up making it, so it’s cool for Ashley [Coen] to
have fun with it and it was really well made. It was really well made. I was like, man, there’s
tags on it and everything. This is something you could sell or something. So that was pretty
cool.”
(On if he has the shirt) “I do not. Yeah, I do not. I’m not a bedazzled type. More of a no logo
kind of type going, but no, my wardrobe is definitely not that blingy.”
(On what it shows that the team is 6-1 when trailing after the first quarter) “Yeah, it’s an
interesting stat. I hadn’t heard that one, but I think this group specifically as so many times
we’ve talked after Houston, has really dug in and really treated every week like a playoff
game. Trevor [QB Trevor Lawrence] I think said it best yesterday: we were in must wins to
win the division and to be in the situation that we’re in. We kind of treated them all that way
and it was 1-0 each week. And I think the no flinch, no blink mentality of playing four
quarter football games and for 60 minutes or longer is the mentality. And so, I think these
guys, we have enough veterans and enough players on this team that have been through
difficult games, difficult years, good winning years, winning teams. And ultimately when
you have leadership like that and you have continuity, and they can then give that
information and some of that knowledge to the younger players that haven’t been through
it, I think that’s why you probably see some of the ability to be mentally and physically
tough.”
(On if Lawrence deserves consideration for the NFL’s MVP) “I think so. You’re judged as a
quarterback by your team’s record, by winning and losing, by how much you elevate the
team and ultimately what you do in the playoffs. So much of that gets I think resolved
around this time and the best rise. The best rise and the best elevate the people around
him. And I think he’s continued to do that down this stretch. So many different names were
thrown around for MVP within the first eight games of the season, and some of those teams
aren’t in the playoffs. So, it’s like, how can that be? Every season does this [upwards and
downwards motion] for so many different teams, different players. That’s just the way it
goes. And there’s so many good players in this league and some guys get hot early and then
some guys get hot later. And it’s really what you do in January that matters.”
(On what advice he would give to DC Anthony Campanile and OC Grant Udinski for head
coaching interviews) “Yeah look, that’s what you ultimately—it’s hard to lose coaches. I
saw Sean [Rams Head Coach Sean McVay] do it every single year. But it is what you want.
At the end of the day, you do want to continue to grow the game, and you want to surround
yourself with good people. And that’s what we did try to do here. And so, this week’s focus
and mentality has to be on Buffalo and has to be on the job at hand, and then whatever
happens after that, that’s more so—you want those opportunities though for guys on your
staff. It’s hard. It’s not something you look forward to having to ever replace. But I was really
fortunate to be in that situation last year and you want to support those guys throughout
that process, even though it might hurt you in the long run a little bit. It might hurt you in
some ways, but that’s why we’re in this profession is to help guys get opportunities to grow
this game to be able to do those things and you’ve got to keep hiring good people.”
(On if he tells anything to players that may not have postseason experience) “No, I don’t
think so. We have an opportunity wear pads again this week in practice now that the
playoffs start back up. So, we may throw pads on this week to be able to go based on our
health and I think it just gets up-ticked a little bit. It’s just the ever-evolving standard of the
way that we operate, the way that we walk through, the way we practice, the way that we
meet. And then, yeah, Sunday at 1 o’clock, it may be a little faster. It may be a little bit more
physical. I don’t know. I think that’s just kind of what you feel when you know it’s one and
done, right? When you know you’re in a game that it’s win or go home. So, I’m sure the
intensity level will be up-ticked a little bit, but I think our guys will be ready for it.”
(On having the game at home) “It’s great, A, to play in front of our fans and our community,
that’s massive. I was watching the game last night at home, the TV copy, and you just saw
so many good clips of our fanbase in the stands, great signs and cool support. So, you
appreciate that. But also, from a schedule standpoint for us as a coaching staff and the
players being able to remain kind of in a good rhythm, we’ll have the same schedule that
we’ve had for a number of different weeks and playing Sunday at 1 [p.m.] is a good thing for
us.”
(On the balance between coaching for the importance of win or go home games but not
reinventing what has made the team successful) “Yeah, look, I know [Bills Head] Coach
[Sean] McDermott and that staff, they’ve won a lot of football games and a lot of playoff
games, a lot of big games and they’re going to look at everything. They’re going to look at
everything that we’ve done; they’re going to look at what they do and how to combat those
things. Different ways that we create explosives on offense and vice versa, how to defend
those things. I think they’re pretty buttoned up that way. So, it’s really about continuing to
find things that you’re good at, making them look maybe a little bit different or calling them
at different times, whatever it is. But you can’t get away from what has gotten you here and,
and ultimately what you hang your hat on in so many ways. So, it’s definitely that chess
match that’s fun about coaching.”
(On if he looks at the Bills-Jaguars game from last year when prepping for the game) “No,
I’m not looking at that game. No.”
(On all active pass catchers catching a pass yesterday) “Yeah, I think it’s great, keeps
everybody engaged. It keeps everybody—practice, preparation, knowing that hey,
everybody’s number can get called at any time and it’s their job and responsibility to be
ready for the moment, whether it’s because of injury, whether it’s because of substitution,
whether it’s because of the score. The standard is to be able to go out, perform your job, do
your job to the best of your ability and execute, and championship execution is bred from
championship preparation, and that’s the standard.”
(On TE Quintin Morris scoring a touchdown) “Yeah, it was awesome. It was actually
supposed to be Strange’s [TE Brenton Strange] but Mundt [TE Johnny Mundt] had come out
and we just had a little switch in the rotation, so Quintin was playing at F and Brent was at Y
and so, I wasn’t really calling it for Strange, that’s how we had practiced it in the week. But
it’s great for Quintin, seriously. I really appreciate Quintin Morris. I really respect his journey,
the way that he’s continued to help our team win regardless of what the role is. And it
started really big on special teams and gaining the trust of Heath [Special Teams
Coordinator Heath Farwell] and Luke [Assistant Special Teams Coach Luke Thompson] and
myself and the staff on teams. And then boom, you go on offense and do a good job when
your number’s called and that’s what all we can really ask for.”
(On the origin of saying “How’s that feel?” to the team after a win) “My dad. Yeah, it was
[what he would say after a win]. All my high school buddies text me and they all reach out to
him too and stuff and think it’s kind of cool that we have the same—that I kind of took that
on. It was the same exact deal he did. We were pretty good when I was playing, so we said it
a lot. But he’s been doing that, he was doing that I think since college and when he came to
coach me in high school, he did the same thing. So, kind of took that one on.”
(On if there are more joyful places than a football locker room after a big win) “No, not
many better places, honestly. A lot of work goes into this preparation, a lot of work, a lot of
time, a lot of physical, emotional, mental time and energy goes into this thing. And to see
the players enjoy moments… That was something we talked about Saturday night in the
team meeting was to stay in the moment, to enjoy every moment of that game yesterday.
Every play, every single second of the game is its own moment and to stay in the moment,
to live in the moment and then to enjoy the moment. And knowing that there’s a lot of work
to be done, nothing is truly finished right now. I think that a lot of our players said that
yesterday is there’s still a lot of work to do right now and really it gets amplified at this
moment, but to enjoy yesterday. That was cool to see the players and everybody juiced up.”
(On if WR Parker Washington’s touchdown was something they worked on in practice)
“Yeah, we repped that on Friday where it was a mirrored type concept where Trevor had the
ability to kind of give those guys a little audible, if you will, or a double move off of a route
and he could have done it to either side. So, the way we had set it up was so that it could go
either way and he ended up sending it that way and it was very similar look to how we had
practiced it against—the look on Friday was the same as exact coverage. So yeah, practice
performance equals game reality. That’s so much of what we talk about and those details
that go into every single play, every single moment, that’s fun. The touchdown to Strange
was the same exact play that we scored on them in the first game, just out of a different
look. So that’s what you’re ultimately trying to do, is give your guys different ways to get to
the same areas on the field that you feel like you’re trying to attack, but just dress it up a
little bit differently and it’s on the players to go and learn those little tweaks and those
details throughout the week. Put those details in preparation into practice and then go
execute it in those moments in the game. So yeah, that’s rewarding to see for sure.”
LINEBACKER DEVIN LLOYD
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
(On how the playoff week feels) “Feels good. Yeah, we’re definitely grateful to be in this
opportunity. But at first, it’s another week too, especially with the game being in
Jacksonville on Sunday at 1 [p.m.], it’s the same schedule. So, we’re looking forward to this
opportunity, and we worked hard to get to this point.”
(On if his attitude is that there is still work to do) “Yeah, absolutely. We know the AFC South
championship was never the goal. That’s a byproduct of us and where we want to go, but
we’re not overlooking that. That’s a great accomplishment. 13 wins, a great
accomplishment. This team has had a lot of special moments and for us it’s just looking
forward to continue building on those special moments. Finding ways to get better each
week and understanding the goal’s right in front of us. But it’s one game at a time and we
got a really good opponent coming in and you’ve got to go 1-0, so that’s our goal this week.”
(On how much pride the defense takes in finishing first in run defense) “Oh, a great deal.
Yeah, that was one of our goals, stopping the run is one of the three main goals in our
defense. And so for us to do that knowing as good as we played too, we feel like we could
have played a lot better too. But yeah, we’re definitely proud of the effort and that’s a team
award, corners got to tackle. Obviously, it starts up front. Linebackers have to fit the gaps
correctly, so defensively that’s something that we’re definitely proud of and looking forward
to continue finding ways to get better in the run game.”
(On how playing in playoff games a few years ago is helpful to those still on the team)
“Yeah, like you said, those of us who are here. It is a lot of new guys, but I think this team
specifically, we have good leadership from the guys, the core that’s been here. But also,
just this team in general. Everybody’s so focused and dialed in. I don’t see anybody
allowing this game to be bigger than what it is. It’s obviously, a big game for the franchise,
but for us it’s attacking the process. And I’m sure we’re going to come out ready to play with
the right energy understanding that this is a big-time game, but it’s a big game because it’s
the next game.”
(On if younger players will gain ‘wisdom’ from veterans with playoff experience this week)
“Oh, for sure. The guys that haven’t been in those playoff environments, we talk about it.
We’ve been talking about just understanding what playoffs are going to be like. And for us, I
think everybody knows what this is going to be, what this experience is going to feel like. It’s
just a matter of getting to the game. It’s like, okay, yeah, this is the playoffs. But we just keep
preaching at the end of the day, it’s football. It’s another opportunity we get to go play
football. I think the outside wants to make it elevated and for us, it’s about having a
mentality that every game has been a playoff game for us. First game of the year, it is the
same mindset, we just have another opportunity to go out and play this game. It shouldn’t
be for the young guys, any pressure, any added pressure. For us, it’s just about attacking
the process and finding a way to go play our best ball on Sunday.”
(On what Defensive Coordinator Anthony Campanile has been like this season) “Yeah,
same guy. He came in passionate, held us to a standard and the standard has always been
the standard. And he’s a guy that that loves all players. He’s going to get on you whenever
he expects more out of you and he’s holding you to that standard and then he’s going to lift
you up when he sees that you’re doing it well. He’s just a guy that cares about the game.
You can see how much he loves the game of football, and that’s a beautiful thing to see and
that resonates with coaches and players. He’s come in and done a great job with everybody
and we’re definitely as a defense and really as a team, grateful for all the things that he’s
done and we’re definitely looking forward to making more memories this year.”
(On what the standard is) “Yeah, stop the run, limit explosives and create takeaways. I think
in that, it’s just being very detailed with each level, eyes, feet, hands, violent finish. He
always preaches that and so, for us it’s every rep having those fundamentals at every level.
So that is the standard. It is just executing, doing your job with great fundamentals and
technique, every play. That’s the standard.”
(On when he realized that he would like this defense) “Yeah, well I think it starts with Camp,
obviously in the message he preaches. And then over time you start to see like, okay, how is
he going to coach us as players? What is he asking us to do? Does it make sense? Does it fit
each guy’s kind of play style? Does it fit us as a whole? Over time, you really start to see it
unfold as you stack practices, stack weeks. So, you really start to see that early on in OTAs
and then none of it really means anything until you get the pads on. So midway through
training camp, when you see us especially competing against [Head Coach Liam Coen]
Coach Coen’s offense, our offense you see a lot of really good stuff and progressively it just
builds.”
(On the challenges Bills QB Josh Allen poses) “Yeah, he’s just a great athlete. He’s obviously
an experienced quarterback. He can put the ball anywhere he wants. I mean shoot, he won
the MVP last year for a reason, so he presents challenges to everybody at every level. He
can break the pocket, extend plays, he can obviously do it with his legs on the ground and
he can attack vertically. He’s one of the best in the biz and he can beat you in every way, so
for us, it’s about team defense. Making sure that the pocket is strong, obviously we’re
sticking in coverage. We’ve got to have a great plan for him because he’s a great
competitor.”
(On if the team revisits the game from last year against Allen) “Yeah, it wasn’t great.
Defensively, there’s just a lot out there that you’ve got to be better in those situations and
that’s obviously the goal this year is to be in the right spots all throughout and making sure,
like I said, sticking coverage, tight pocket and ultimately, they’re number one rushing
offense versus the number one rushing defense so that’s going to be a big part of the game
as well. It is going to be a really fun matchup. I think as a football fan, this is going to be a
great matchup so I’m excited to be a part of it.”
(On if he has had a chance to reflect on this season) “Not really, just because we’re still
playing. Like, we’re in the heat of it now. This is the start of the playoffs. Like this is really
when it matters and so just dialed in and locked in. Obviously, we’ve accomplished a lot as
a team and it’s been great. Obviously, I’ve had success as well and that’s been great but it’s
the playoffs and that’s the focus.”
(On Buffalo’s playmakers) “Yeah, you can’t forget about [Bills RB] James Cook [III], he’s
obviously a great player, led the league in rushing. He’s just a really good back. So, like I
said, it’s number one rush defense versus number one rush offense. And he’s obviously a
huge part of what they do in the running game. So, everybody’s got to be gap sound and it’s
just another week. We’re facing a great rushing attack that we’ve got to be on our Ps and Qs
every play. Corners got to be ready to tackle. Second and third level obviously has to be
ready to tackle, and it all starts up front.”
(On the feeling this year vs. last year) “It’s a great feeling. This time last year we were
obviously packing our lockers up. Now even headed into to last week, you knew you had
more ball ahead of you. It’s like man, this season’s not even close to being over in our eyes.
So it’s a great feeling, it’s something we work for, but at the same time it’s starting to really
heat up now, so nothing has to change. It’s just more so, we’ve got to take advantage of
every day.”
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN ROBERT HAINSEY
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
(On the success of the offensive line despite injuries this season) “I think coming in, a lot of
new pieces in that room, obviously myself being one of them. So, we all are figuring each
other out but we have such a great group of understanding each other, understanding what
we’re trying to get done, understanding what Shaun [Offensive Line Coach Shaun Sarrett],
Keli’i [Assistant Offensive Line/Run Game Specialist Keli’i Kekuewa] and Trevor [Offensive
Assistant Trevor Mendelson] are coaching and the intent of all the plays that he’s done a
great job of letting us kind of figure out what works best for us and as individuals and then
in turn as a unit. So, I think all those things working together has given us the best
opportunity to grow like we have this year.”
(On how Sarrett is as a motivator) “Very good. He’s really fun to play for. A guy we want to go
play for all those guys and in the room it’s just a great energy we have in that O-line room.”
(On the increase in intensity and speed in the postseason) “It’s exciting. It definitely does
kick up a little bit, but this is exactly where you want to be. This is why we play the game is
to get to this opportunity and it’s just another opportunity. It’s the next one, it’s the most
important one, and we’ve got to do everything we can this week, like we’ve done all year to
put ourselves in the best position to win this game through our technique and
fundamentals, through our planning, through our preparation. Like I said, those are the
things that are going to matter more now.”
(On the growth he has seen from QB Trevor Lawrence this season) “It’s definitely been
consistent over the course of the year and it’s been really cool to see because when I got
here and he was—I think I might have told you guys before, maybe he has, or I’m sure
someone has—the amount of time he spent this off season here to learn this offense, to
get a handle on it, with all the stuff that goes on that you see, all the shifts, all the motions,
all the cans, all the protection changes. I mean, there’s a lot. He has a lot on his plate.
Throughout this year, he’s done such an excellent job of just handling it constantly and
handling it better and better and better each week. I think these last few weeks, obviously
you guys have, everyone’s seen him playing really well and that’s who he is, that’s what he’s
about. But for us, the calmness at the line of scrimmage, I think handling some of those
protection checks, there’s like five or six unbelievable examples in the Colts game of him
getting to different plays getting to the checks we need to get to, then beating the blitz,
making the play. Those things are very hard to do. That’s high-level ball and he’s done an
excellent job at it.”
(On how fun the post-game locker room was yesterday) “That was a good one. That was
one of the best, one of the most fun post-game locker rooms I’ve been in for sure.
Especially Trevor’s grills. That was the best part.”
(On if he thought he would ever see Lawrence wearing a grill) “I was seeing it every day on
the internet and I was loving it. I was posting, I was part of that. I think it’s awesome. So, I
don’t know who came up with that or how they did it, but that was a great play by them.”’
(On that there is a similar photo of Head Coach Liam Coen) “I’m sure. I’m sure everyone’s
got them now. I don’t. I haven’t seen myself yet. I try to stay away from there. No one’s
searching me for AI though. I’ll just keep posting the Trevor ones.”
(On the importance of playing a postseason game at home) “Huge. This is where I think that
home field advantage is the biggest thing ever in the playoffs. I mean, I know it’s going to be
rowdy. I know the people are excited. I don’t think we have to tell them that we need them
there because they know it and they’re going to be ready. All the fans are going to be ready,
they’re going to have a great time. But those playoff atmospheres, that’s exciting stuff that
feels good. When you come in when you have a home game and as an offensive player,
you’re on the sideline while their offense is out there and it’s loud. You’re like, ‘This is great,’
because I know how bad that sucks for them. And so like, I’m glad that they have to deal
with it right now.”
(On being the only player to give a ‘golf clap’ after WR Parker Washington’s TD celebration)
“Well, I didn’t know that celebration was coming. He was clearing everyone out the way. I
didn’t know what was going on and I saw him tee it up. So yeah, golf clap.”
(On what Liam Coen was like in the locker room post-game last season as an Offensive
Coordinator) “I mean, just kind of always would come around, just dap everybody up, say
great job and then we kind of see him. Obviously, he wasn’t like the one giving the speeches
or anything, so he didn’t see him too much. That’s always like the head guys deal.”
(On if he was surprised the first time Coen did a celebration this season) “No, I wouldn’t say
I was surprised. I didn’t know how he was going to handle it, but I guess I wasn’t really
thinking about it either. But obviously, he’s hyped, he’s emotional and even that first one,
that Panthers one, obviously that was first one as the head coach. That was a big deal all
the way back to then. And we’ve had a lot since then. That one was obviously yesterday was
pretty sweet. And it’s been cool to see. And now, everyone’s kind of waiting for it. We know
it’s coming. And when you have a game like that, that means that much. And we’re all there
waiting, knowing we’re about to pop it off. It’s fun.”
