The 2009 Buffalo Bulls football team represented the University at Buffalo as a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) during the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Led by Turner Gill in his fourth and final season as head coach, the Bulls compiled an overall record of 5âÂÂ7 with a mark of 3âÂÂ5 in conference play, placing fifth in the MAC's East Division. The team played home games at the University at Buffalo Stadium in Amherst, New York.
The season got off to a bad start for the Bulls as star running back James Starks injured the labrum in his left shoulder in a preseason scrimmage. It was determined that he would need surgery and miss the whole year. Because he was redshirted his first year at Buffalo, he was able to play again for the Bulls. Buffalo's offense struggled to overcome the loss of Starks and the up-and-down play of new starting quarterback Zach Maynard, while the defense continued to have a hard time stopping opposing teams and could not generate as many turnovers as they did in 2008. Buffalo was out of MAC championship contention midway through the season, but finished with two straight wins on the road.
After the season, Gill accepted an offer to become the head football coach at the University of Kansas. Gill was replaced by Jeff Quinn.
The following Bull was selected in the 2010 NFL draft following the season.