Trace McSorley's coaching journey has taken an unexpected turn as the former Penn State standout quarterback departs his collegiate role to pursue an NFL opportunity. Sources confirmed Thursday that McSorley is leaving his position as assistant quarterbacks coach with the Nittany Lions to join the Buffalo Bills staff, marking a significant career shift just one year after he began his tenure in Happy Valley.
The move comes as a surprise to many within the Penn State football community, where McSorley was viewed as an integral part of the program's future under new head coach Matt Campbell. Having been retained by Campbell after initially joining under former coach James Franklin, McSorley was preparing to enter his second season working with a quarterback room led by redshirt senior Rocco Becht. However, the allure of the NFL and a reunion with a familiar face proved too compelling to resist.
The Buffalo Bills Connection
What makes this transition particularly noteworthy is McSorley's existing relationship with Joe Brady, recently appointed as the Bills' head coach. Brady's connection to Penn State dates back to 2015 and 2016 when he worked as a graduate assistant under Franklin, developing a close working relationship with McSorley. Those two seasons proved pivotal, as McSorley emerged as the starting quarterback and led the Nittany Lions to remarkable success.
The 2016 campaign stands out as a highlight in Penn State football history, with McSorley guiding the team to a Big Ten championship and a coveted Rose Bowl appearance. That shared experience created a bond that has now come full circle nearly a decade later. Brady's ascent to an NFL head coaching position has opened doors for those in his coaching tree, and McSorley becomes one of the first beneficiaries of this new opportunity in Buffalo.
A Brief but Impactful Coaching Stint
McSorley's time on the Penn State coaching staff may have been short-lived, but it was not without significance. Hired last year by Franklin, the 30-year-old former quarterback brought a unique perspective to the role, having played for the program at its highest levels. His experience as a four-year starter and his deep understanding of the Nittany Lions' culture made him an invaluable resource.
When Campbell took over, he recognized McSorley's potential and chose to retain him. This decision underscored the value McSorley brought to the staff, particularly his ability to mentor young quarterbacks navigating the pressures of a premier Big Ten program. He was slated to work alongside offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser and quarterbacks coach Jake Waters, forming a cohesive unit dedicated to developing Penn State's signal-callers.
The quarterback room McSorley leaves behind is led by Rocco Becht, who expressed genuine enthusiasm about working with the former Penn State great just a day before news of the departure broke. Becht's comments highlight the respect McSorley commanded within the facility and the impact he had already made in his brief coaching tenure.
Player Turned Mentor
The transition from player to coach is never seamless, but McSorley's pedigree gave him instant credibility. As one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Penn State's modern era, his statistics speak volumes about his on-field intelligence and leadership. During his collegiate career, McSorley amassed 9,899 passing yards and 77 touchdowns, while also contributing 1,697 rushing yards and 30 additional scores.
These numbers cemented his legacy as the program's all-time leader in most major passing statistical categories. More importantly, they represented a body of work built on preparation, adaptability, and mental toughness—qualities that translate directly to effective coaching. His experience navigating high-pressure situations in front of over 100,000 fans at Beaver Stadium provided insights that cannot be taught in a classroom.
Becht's anticipation of learning from McSorley reveals the unique value proposition he offered. "He's one of the best quarterbacks to ever play here," Becht noted, acknowledging the rare opportunity to be coached by someone who had walked the same paths. The redshirt senior specifically mentioned his eagerness to discuss handling Beaver Stadium's atmosphere and seasonal adversity.
NFL Playing Experience Adds Another Dimension
Beyond his collegiate achievements, McSorley brings practical NFL experience to his new role. The Baltimore Ravens selected him in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. While his playing time was limited—appearing in nine games with just one start—his journey through multiple organizations provided him with a comprehensive understanding of professional football operations.
McSorley's NFL odyssey included stints with the Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, and Washington Commanders. Each stop exposed him to different offensive systems and coaching philosophies. This breadth of experience is invaluable for a coach working with professional players who face the same challenges of roster uncertainty and system adaptation.
The combination of his Penn State legacy and NFL journeyman experience creates a unique coaching profile. He understands what it takes to succeed at the college level while also possessing firsthand knowledge of the professional game's demands.
Impact on Penn State's Quarterback Development
McSorley's departure creates a void in Penn State's coaching structure that Campbell and his staff must address quickly. The timing, occurring during the offseason preparation period, allows for a transition, but the loss of a former player with McSorley's credentials is significant. His ability to relate to quarterbacks on a personal level is not easily replaced.
Jake Waters, the team's quarterbacks coach, had expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with McSorley, recognizing the unique insights he could provide. The two were expected to form a complementary partnership, with Waters bringing his coaching expertise and McSorley contributing his program-specific knowledge.
For Becht, the departure means losing a mentor he had just begun to build a relationship with. His comments about picking McSorley's brain now serve as a testament to what might have been. The senior quarterback will need to find other sources of guidance as he prepares for his final collegiate season.
The Broader Coaching Carousel
McSorley's move from college to professional coaching reflects a broader trend in football's coaching ecosystem. As NFL teams increasingly value coaches who can bridge the gap between college and pro systems, former players with recent experience become hot commodities. McSorley's age and recent playing career give him a contemporary perspective that older coaches may lack.
The reunion with Brady also highlights the importance of coaching networks in career advancement. Relationships forged during graduate assistantships often bear fruit years later, as assistants rise through the ranks. McSorley's connection to Brady, established nearly a decade ago at Penn State, demonstrates how these professional bonds can endure and create opportunities.
Looking Ahead
For the Buffalo Bills, adding McSorley represents a low-risk, high-upside investment in coaching talent. His youth, recent playing experience, and familiarity with Brady's offensive concepts make him an ideal fit for a staff in transition. While his specific role remains undisclosed, his background suggests he will contribute to quarterback development and offensive game planning.
Penn State, meanwhile, must regroup and identify a replacement who can provide similar value. The program's tradition of former players returning to coach offers a deep talent pool, but McSorley's combination of recent NFL experience and program familiarity will be difficult to replicate. As spring practices approach, the focus will shift to ensuring the quarterback room remains on track.
The story of Trace McSorley's coaching career is still in its opening chapters. His decision to leave Penn State after just one season demonstrates the dynamic nature of coaching careers and the magnetic pull of NFL opportunities. While his time in Happy Valley was brief, his impact was felt, and his legacy as both player and coach remains secure. Now, he embarks on the next phase of his football journey, reuniting with a coach who helped shape his playing career nearly a decade ago.