In the wake of a heartbreaking 33-30 overtime playoff loss to the Denver Broncos, the Buffalo Bills are facing significant changes within their coaching staff. Hours after the game, it was announced that esteemed offensive line coach Aaron Kromer is set to retire, marking the end of a notable coaching career spanning over two decades in the NFL.
Kromer’s professional journey began in 1990 as a graduate assistant at Miami of Ohio, eventually advancing to various coaching positions in college football. He made his NFL debut in 2001 with the Oakland Raiders, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become the offensive line coach under Bill Callahan. Kromer’s coaching acumen was further honed through subsequent roles with teams such as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New Orleans Saints, where he not only coached running backs but also served as the interim head coach during a tumultuous period for the franchise.
His tenure with the Chicago Bears as offensive coordinator showcased Kromer’s ability to lead a productive offense, particularly during the successful 2013 season. After a brief hiatus, he returned to the NFL as the offensive line coach for the Los Angeles Rams, contributing to their competitive edge before making another return to Buffalo in 2022.
During his time with the Bills, Kromer significantly impacted the team’s offensive line, mentoring young talents like Spencer Brown and O’Cyrus Torrence, while also enhancing the skills of seasoned players such as Dion Dawkins and Conor McGovern. His efforts have been instrumental in maintaining the Bills’ offensive line reputation as one of the best in the league, further solidified by Kromer being part of three Super Bowl coaching staffs, including a victorious run with the Saints in 2009.
As Kromer steps away from coaching, his legacy will undoubtedly resonate within the teams he has impacted and the players he has developed. While the Bills will be losing a vital part of their coaching apparatus, there is hope that his dedication to excellence and player development will leave a lasting imprint on the organization moving forward.