The Buffalo Bills have named Joe Brady as their new head coach, signing him to a five-year contract. This announcement was made public on Tuesday, shortly after the team parted ways with former head coach Sean McDermott, who was fired following the Bills’ playoff exit against the Denver Broncos.
Joe Brady’s Rise to Head Coach
Brady, who is 36 years old, has been with the Bills organization since 2022. He initially served as a quarterbacks coach before stepping into the role of interim offensive coordinator in November 2023, after the firing of Ken Dorsey.
Under Brady’s leadership, the Bills achieved remarkable success, finishing with the best record in the NFL during his tenure as offensive coordinator. Notably, the team led the league in Expected Points Added (EPA) per play and averaged 29.1 points per game since Brady took over.
Records and Achievements
- Brady’s promotion occurred during Week 11 of the 2023 season.
- The Bills scored more than 30 points in nine games, tying for the most in the NFL.
- Quarterback Josh Allen won his first MVP award in 2024.
- Running back James Cook III secured the rushing title in 2025.
- In 2024, the Bills set franchise records with 525 points and 65 touchdowns in a season.
Coaching Search and Leadership Role
Brady was the first candidate interviewed for the head coaching position, reflecting the confidence the organization has in him. Allen has been outspoken about his support for Brady, praising his positive energy and leadership qualities. Team owner Terry Pegula noted that the emotional aftermath of the Broncos’ overtime loss was pivotal in deciding to replace McDermott.
| Coaching Search Involvement |
|---|
| Brandon Beane (General Manager) |
| Terry Pegula (Owner) |
| Laura Pegula (Owner’s Daughter) |
| Pete Guelli (Director of Business Operations) |
| Brian Gaine (Assistant GM) |
| Terrance Gray (Assistant GM) |
The search process was comprehensive, involving multiple candidates with predominantly offensive backgrounds. However, Beane emphasized that the role demands more than just expertise in playcalling; it requires strong leadership capacities and the ability to manage adversity effectively.
Brady’s Background
Before joining the Bills, Brady had notable roles with the Carolina Panthers and LSU, helping lead the latter to a national championship in 2019. He began his NFL career as an offensive assistant under Sean Payton with the New Orleans Saints.
As head coach, Brady will aim to build on the team’s recent offensive successes and guide the Bills in their pursuit of a championship.
