The Buffalo Bills opted for stability rather than sweeping change when selecting their next head coach, promoting offensive coordinator Joe Brady to lead the franchise. Announced Tuesday, the move ends Buffalo’s search by turning inward, rewarding a coach already deeply embedded in the organization’s recent offensive evolution. Brady, 36, signed a five-year contract and will continue calling plays, a decision aimed squarely at maintaining continuity with star quarterback Josh Allen.
Brady’s rise comes in the aftermath of Sean McDermott’s dismissal following Buffalo’s overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round. Rather than overhaul their philosophy, the Bills chose to keep much of their structure intact, trusting that Brady’s leadership could provide the necessary spark. His familiarity with the roster and staff reduces transition risk, especially on offense, where Allen’s comfort and consistency remain central to the team’s Super Bowl aspirations.
Balanced Offense, Familiar Philosophy Define Brady’s Rise and Buffalo’s Calculated Gamble
Since taking over as offensive coordinator midway through the 2023 season, Brady has reshaped Buffalo’s attack. He shifted the offense toward a more balanced approach, leaning into a traditional running game that helped stabilize production and protect Allen from carrying too heavy a load. That change fueled the emergence of James Cook, who delivered three consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons under Brady’s guidance. The results suggested an offense that was not only more versatile but also better equipped for postseason football.
Joe Brady (NFL)Still, the promotion raises questions about whether Buffalo truly changed course. Brady worked under McDermott for four seasons, meaning philosophical continuity remains strong. Critics may argue the Bills simply swapped voices rather than visions, especially compared to the possibility of hiring an external candidate with a clearly different approach. Even so, the front office appears confident the roster is close enough to contention that a leadership change, not a structural overhaul, was the missing piece.
Brady’s appeal extended well beyond Buffalo. During this hiring cycle, he drew interest from several teams, including the Denver Broncos, where Sean Payton reportedly considered him for an expanded offensive role, and the Baltimore Ravens, who viewed him as a top coordinator candidate. By promoting Brady, the Bills not only secured a rising coaching talent but also improved their chances of retaining other assistants viewed as key to the franchise’s future.
Buffalo Bets on Continuity, Elevating Joe Brady After Offensive Revival Success Sustained
The decision reflects a broader NFL trend favoring internal offensive promotions. Recent history offered encouragement, as the Dallas Cowboys followed a similar path in early 2025 by elevating offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. That move paid dividends, producing one of the league’s most efficient offenses. Buffalo hopes Brady can deliver a comparable boost while adding the leadership presence required of a head coach.
Brady’s coaching journey has been defined by rapid ascents and necessary resets. He first gained national attention at LSU in 2019, engineering a historic passing offense that powered an undefeated national championship season and launched the NFL careers of Joe Burrow, Justin Jefferson, and Ja’Marr Chase. Labeled an offensive prodigy, Brady quickly jumped to the NFL with Carolina, though that stint proved uneven and slowed his meteoric rise.
His arrival in Buffalo in 2022 offered a fresh start, and his influence on the Bills’ offense quickly restored his reputation. Now, Brady steps into the biggest role of his career without leaving the organization that helped revive it. Whether continuity proves to be the final ingredient in Buffalo’s championship pursuit remains uncertain, but the Bills are clearly betting that Joe Brady’s vision and connection to Josh Allen can carry them the rest of the way.
