Trace McSorley, a beloved figure in Penn State football history, is embarking on a new chapter in his career. The former Nittany Lions quarterback and current assistant coach is leaving his position at Penn State to join the Buffalo Bills coaching staff, according to reports from Lions247's Daniel Gallen. This move marks a significant transition for McSorley, who has spent the past year building his coaching credentials at his alma mater.
The departure represents another substantial change to Penn State's coaching staff during an already eventful offseason. Just weeks earlier, wide receivers coach Noah Pauley exited the program to accept a similar role with the Green Bay Packers. Now, with McSorley's exit, the Nittany Lions must adjust their staff once again as they prepare for the upcoming season.
McSorley was poised to begin his second year as Penn State's assistant quarterbacks coach, but his first working under new head coach Matt Campbell. Interestingly, the timing of this announcement comes mere days after McSorley had the honor of introducing Campbell at the THON 2026 Pep Rally, an event that took place just five days prior to the news breaking. This underscores how quickly circumstances can change in the world of college football coaching.
During his tenure at Penn State, McSorley worked closely with offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser and quarterbacks coach Jake Waters in what was described as a revamped position group. His primary responsibilities included mentoring the team's signal-callers, including starting quarterback Drew Allar and promising backup Ethan Grunkemeyer. Last season, Grunkemeyer demonstrated considerable potential during the latter part of the schedule after Allar suffered a season-ending ankle injury in October. McSorley's guidance was instrumental in preparing the young quarterback for his unexpected increased role.
The opportunity with the Buffalo Bills presents an exciting new challenge for McSorley, who will reunite with former Penn State graduate assistant Joe Brady. Brady, who recently earned a promotion to head coach of the Bills in late January after serving five years on Sean McDermott's staff, clearly values the connection and familiarity with McSorley. This reunion highlights the strong network that exists within coaching circles, particularly for those who have shared experiences at successful programs like Penn State.
In his new role, McSorley will have the privilege of working directly with one of the NFL's premier talents, 2024 MVP Josh Allen. This represents a significant step up in McSorley's coaching career, moving from mentoring college athletes to collaborating with an established superstar at the professional level. The experience gained from working with Allen will undoubtedly prove invaluable as McSorley continues to develop his coaching philosophy and expertise.
McSorley's connection to Penn State football runs deep, rooted in his exceptional playing career from 2015 to 2018. During his four seasons as the Nittany Lions' quarterback, he amassed impressive statistics that cemented his legacy in program history. McSorley threw for 9,899 yards and 77 touchdowns across 47 games, demonstrating remarkable consistency and durability as a starter.
By the conclusion of his collegiate career, McSorley held numerous Penn State records, including career wins, completions, passing yards, passing touchdowns, and total offense. These achievements reflect not only his individual talent but also his ability to lead teams to sustained success. Under his leadership, Penn State qualified for four consecutive bowl games, a testament to the program's stability during his tenure.
The pinnacle of McSorley's playing career at Penn State included several memorable moments that remain etched in the memories of Nittany Lions fans. The 2017 Fiesta Bowl victory stands as a highlight, while the Rose Bowl appearance that capped the 2016 season represented the program's return to national prominence. These achievements helped reestablish Penn State as a competitive force in college football during a crucial period of rebuilding.
Following his successful college career, McSorley transitioned to the professional ranks when the Baltimore Ravens selected him in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft with the 197th overall pick. He spent three seasons with the Ravens, primarily serving as a backup to superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson. This experience provided McSorley with valuable insights into the NFL game and the opportunity to learn from one of the league's most dynamic players.
McSorley's NFL journey also included stints with the Arizona Cardinals during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, where he gained additional experience in different offensive systems. After his time in Arizona, he spent time on various practice squads until 2024, demonstrating the perseverance required to navigate the challenging landscape of professional football. These experiences, while perhaps not as glamorous as his college days, provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the game from multiple perspectives.
The decision to enter the coaching profession with Penn State as his first stop seemed a natural progression for McSorley, who had always been regarded as a student of the game. His deep understanding of the Nittany Lions' program, combined with his recent NFL experience, made him an ideal candidate to mentor young quarterbacks navigating their own paths to potential professional careers.
The impact of McSorley's departure on Penn State's quarterback room cannot be understated. His unique perspective as a former player who had successfully transitioned through both college and professional levels provided invaluable guidance to the team's signal-callers. The loss of his expertise will be felt, particularly as the team continues developing Ethan Grunkemeyer, who showed flashes of brilliance in limited action last season.
For the Nittany Lions, this coaching change adds another item to the offseason to-do list as they prepare for the upcoming campaign. The staff must now identify a replacement who can bring similar credibility and experience to the quarterback position. Given the timing, this search will likely be expedited to ensure minimal disruption to spring practice preparations and player development.
From McSorley's perspective, this move represents the realization of a dream for many aspiring coaches: the opportunity to work in the NFL. The chance to join a prestigious organization like the Buffalo Bills, reunite with a familiar face in Joe Brady, and collaborate with an elite quarterback like Josh Allen creates an ideal scenario for his professional growth. This position will undoubtedly accelerate his development as a coach and potentially open doors for future advancement.
The broader implications of this move extend beyond just one coach's career trajectory. It highlights the increasing trend of former players transitioning into coaching roles and the value that NFL teams place on recent playing experience. McSorley's hire by the Bills demonstrates that organizations are recognizing the fresh perspectives and contemporary understanding of the game that recently retired players can bring to coaching staffs.
As McSorley prepares for his new role in Buffalo, Penn State fans will undoubtedly watch his progress with great interest. His journey from record-setting quarterback to assistant coach to NFL staff member serves as an inspiration to current players who may be considering their own post-playing careers. The skills and knowledge he developed during his time in Happy Valley will now be shared with one of the league's most talented rosters.
The timing of this announcement, coming so close to his public appearance with Matt Campbell, suggests that the opportunity with the Bills materialized quickly. Such is the nature of coaching careers, where opportunities can arise unexpectedly and decisions must be made swiftly. McSorley's willingness to embrace this change demonstrates the ambition and adaptability required to succeed in the competitive world of football coaching.
Looking ahead, both Penn State and Trace McSorley face exciting new chapters. The Nittany Lions will continue their search for coaching stability under Matt Campbell's leadership, while McSorley will embark on his NFL coaching journey with one of the league's premier franchises. His legacy at Penn State remains secure, and his future in coaching appears bright.
This transition serves as a reminder of the interconnected nature of football at all levels. Relationships forged in college programs can lead to professional opportunities years later, and the skills developed as a player can translate effectively into coaching success. For Trace McSorley, the move to Buffalo represents not just a career advancement, but the continuation of a lifelong passion for the game of football.