Trace McSorley isn't playing quarterback on Sundays anymore, but his football life continues on the sidelines. The former Penn State standout and NFL signal-caller transitioned into coaching. After bouncing across multiple league rosters—including stints with the Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals, and brief practice squad stops with the Pittsburgh Steelers—he shifted focus from throwing passes to drawing up plays.
Fans often wonder where McSorley landed after his playing days wound down. He shifted directly into the coaching ranks, joining the Buffalo Bills coaching staff as an offensive assistant. This comprehensive look breaks down his journey from college icon to journeyman professional and his current role in the league.
The Penn State Legacy
Before entering professional football, McSorley cemented himself as one of the most prolific players in Big Ten history. Recruited to Penn State under head coach James Franklin, he redshirted in 2014 before taking over the starting job in 2016.
During his redshirt sophomore season, he led the Nittany Lions to a Big Ten Championship victory over Wisconsin and an appearance in the Rose Bowl, where he threw for 254 yards and four touchdowns. He set multiple school records, finishing his collegiate career with 9,899 passing yards, 30 wins as a starter, and a reputation as a fierce, competitive runner who excelled in clutch moments. His grit and leadership made him a fan favorite in Happy Valley, setting high expectations for his professional transition.
NFL Playing Career and Journeyman Years
The [Baltimore Ravens](https://www.baltimore Ravens.com) drafted McSorley in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Serving primarily as a backup behind Lamar Jackson and Robert Griffin III, he made his NFL debut late in the 2019 season against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Baltimore Ravens (2019–2021): Mostly spent on the practice squad or active roster as a third-string option. He recorded his first career touchdown pass in 2020—a 70-yard strike to Marquise Brown against the Steelers.
- Arizona Cardinals (2021–2022): Claimed off waivers by Arizona, he eventually made his first career NFL start in Week 16 of the 2022 season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after injuries sidelined Kyler Murray and Colt McCoy.
- Later Practice Squads (2023–2024): Stints with the New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Washington Commanders followed as he fought to secure a permanent backup role.
Over his NFL playing career, McSorley appeared in 9 games, completing 48 of 93 passes for 502 yards, one touchdown, and five interceptions, while rushing for 79 yards.
Transition to Coaching
Realizing that his future in football lay off the field, McSorley began his coaching journey. He returned to his alma mater as an assistant quarterbacks coach at Penn State. Working with college signal-callers allowed him to apply his extensive knowledge of offensive schemes and preparation directly to mentoring younger athletes.
His quick grasp of coaching mechanics caught the attention of professional evaluators. He made the jump back to the professional level, joining the Buffalo Bills coaching staff as an offensive assistant. Operating within a high-powered offensive system gives him direct experience under established coordinators, positioning him for a long-term career in NFL coaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What team does Trace McSorley play for now?
He is no longer an active player in the NFL. He transitioned into coaching and serves as an offensive assistant for the Buffalo Bills.
What were his career stats at Penn State?
He accumulated 9,899 passing yards, threw 72 touchdowns against 25 interceptions, and rushed for over 1,600 yards during his historic collegiate career with the Nittany Lions.
Did he ever start an NFL game?
Yes. He made his lone NFL career start for the Arizona Cardinals in December 2022 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, filling in for injured quarterbacks.
When did he start coaching?
He began his coaching career as an assistant quarterbacks coach at Penn State before moving to the NFL coaching ranks.
