Head Coach David Culley will return to Buffalo on Sunday, where he will be reunited with a former team, colleagues, and a quarterback that he coached as a rookie.
Culley's career in Buffalo began four years ago in 2017, when he interviewed for a position on newly-named Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott's staff. Both Culley and McDermott had known each other for over a decade during their time in Philadelphia.
"I first went to Buffalo to interview for the offensive coordinator's job," Culley said. "I had worked with Sean for five or six years in Philly. I didn't get offered that job, but on my way back, they asked me if I would be interested in being the quarterback coach. I went back, I talked to Andy (Reid) about it, and he knew that was something that I wanted to eventually get to that point, either as a coordinator or quarterback coach. He allowed me to do it, and that's why I went to Buffalo."
From 2017 to 2018, Culley coached the Bills' quarterbacks. In 2018, Tyrod Taylor led the Bills to their first playoff berth since 1999, with Culley as his position coach. The next season, Culley developed the Bills' 2018 first-round draft pick, Josh Allen. Now in his fourth season, Allen is coming off a record-setting performance, passing for 358 yards, four touchdowns, and added one rushing touchdown in the Bills' 43-21 win over Washington last week.
"He's become one of the top quarterbacks in this league," Culley said. "I know when I had him as a rookie, he has everything that you want, and I'm not surprised that he's where he's at right now. I think I remember last year, he was maybe No. 2 in the league in MVP voting. He's a heck of a player, has all the things you want. There's not a throw he can't make. He's very athletic, he's a big kid, strong kid that can run. He's the total package."
Prior to Buffalo, Culley coached wide receivers in Philadelphia from 1999-2012 and served as Senior Offensive Assistant for the final two seasons before departing for Reid's staff in Kansas City. McDermott began his career with the Eagles as a scouting administrative coordinator in 1998 before working his way up to defensive coordinator in 2009-2010. McDermott has earned three playoff appearances in his first four seasons as head coach.
The two former assistants will meet again on Sunday, now as head coaches of their teams.
"David does a great job," McDermott said. "He's a true professional, been in this business a long time. He and I worked together in Philadelphia, where he was the receivers coach. Did a great job there, so he knows offensive football. I'm sure he's off to a great start as head coach, winning his first game down there a couple of weeks ago, and his team plays hard for him. I have a lot of respect for that."
The Texans will face the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium in Week 4. Kickoff is set for Sunday at noon CT.
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