The Buffalo Bills have opted for stability and familiarity by promoting offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach. The decision, highlighted by Bills elevate offensive coordinator Joe Brady to assume the role of head coach, signals the franchise’s commitment to maintaining continuity around star quarterback Josh Allen and a team that has consistently remained competitive but has yet to reach the Super Bowl.
Buffalo officially confirmed Brady’s appointment with a five-year contract, marking a major transition for the organization as it enters a new chapter.
Joe Brady’s Journey to the Top
At just 36 years old, Brady steps into his first NFL head coaching role after completing four seasons with Buffalo, including two as the team’s offensive coordinator. Before taking over the offense full-time, he served as the Bills’ quarterbacks coach. Brady’s promotion came midway through the 2023 season after he replaced Ken Dorsey following his dismissal.
Brady’s rise occurred shortly after the team parted ways with longtime head coach Sean McDermott, who spent nine seasons guiding Buffalo’s resurgence.
Though Brady lacks previous head coaching experience, his career has included several high-profile stops. He began his NFL journey with the New Orleans Saints as an offensive assistant under Sean Payton. He later gained national attention as passing game coordinator for the 2019 championship-winning LSU Tigers football team. Brady later served as offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers before returning to Buffalo.
Strong Connections and Competitive Hiring Process
Brady shares a long-standing connection with McDermott, as both attended William & Mary. Brady played wide receiver there and later returned to the program as a linebackers coach shortly after graduating.
Buffalo launched its coaching search on January 21, with Brady emerging as an early favorite. He also interviewed for several other NFL head coaching openings, including positions with the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders. The Bills ultimately interviewed nine candidates during a thorough selection process led by general manager Brandon Beane and involving Allen.
Among the candidates were former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll, who previously served as Buffalo’s offensive coordinator, Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, and former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers, who withdrew from consideration shortly after interviewing.
Offensive Evolution Under Brady
During Brady’s tenure as coordinator, Buffalo’s offense adopted a more balanced strategy designed to reduce pressure on Allen. Brady introduced the “Everybody Eats” philosophy, encouraging a diversified passing attack following the team’s decision to trade star receiver Stefon Diggs in 2024.
The approach paid dividends. Allen earned Associated Press NFL MVP honors after throwing 28 touchdowns, adding 12 rushing scores, and posting a career-low six interceptions. Meanwhile, receiver Khalil Shakir emerged as a leading contributor with 76 receptions for 821 yards.
Buffalo’s offense continued to flourish, finishing fourth in total yards and tied for fourth in scoring. Running back James Cook enjoyed a historic season, rushing for 1,621 yards and becoming the franchise’s first NFL rushing leader since O.J. Simpson in 1976.
McDermott’s Legacy and Postseason Challenges
McDermott leaves behind an impressive legacy. He transformed the Bills from a struggling franchise into a perennial contender, ending a 17-year playoff drought during his first season. Under his leadership, Buffalo reached the postseason in seven consecutive years and recorded at least 10 wins in each of those campaigns. The team also captured five straight AFC East titles.
However, postseason struggles ultimately defined McDermott’s tenure. Despite consistent playoff appearances, Buffalo became the first NFL team to win a playoff game in six straight seasons without reaching the Super Bowl. The team’s closest attempts came in AFC Championship Game appearances in 2020 and 2024, both ending in losses to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Owner Terry Pegula cited the team’s inability to break through in the postseason as a key reason for the coaching change, particularly after a heartbreaking overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the divisional round.
High Expectations for the Future
Buffalo now places its faith in Brady to guide the franchise beyond its playoff frustrations. The timing of this leadership change is significant, as Allen enters his ninth NFL season and approaches his 30th birthday. The team is also preparing to transition into a newly built $2.1 billion stadium, symbolizing a fresh era for the organization.
With Bills elevate offensive coordinator Joe Brady to assume the role of head coach, Buffalo is betting that a familiar offensive architect can help deliver the championship success that has long eluded one of the league’s most consistent contenders.