Bills Elevate OC Brady to Head Coach with 5-Year Contract
In a pivotal move for the Buffalo Bills, the franchise has promoted Joe Brady to head coach following a disappointing playoff exit. Brady is set to sign a five-year contract, as confirmed by multiple sources including ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Joe Brady’s Promotion
Brady, 36, takes over amidst significant changes within the team. He replaces Sean McDermott, who was recently fired after the Bills’ elimination by the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional round. McDermott had a nine-season tenure as head coach, leading the Bills to the playoffs in eight of those years.
- Previous Role: Brady was the offensive coordinator, having joined the Bills in 2022 as quarterbacks coach.
- Interim Status: He became the interim offensive coordinator in November 2023, followed by a full-time promotion for the 2024-25 seasons.
- Team Performance: Under his leadership, the Bills ranked first in EPA per play (0.14) and second in points per game (29.1).
Brady’s Impact and Achievements
This past season, the Bills showcased impressive offensive performances, scoring over 30 points in nine games, tying for the most in the NFL. Quarterback Josh Allen earned his first MVP award in 2024, while running back James Cook clinched the rushing title in 2025. Additionally, the Bills set franchise records with 525 points and 65 touchdowns in the 2024 season.
Decision-Making Process
Team owner Terry Pegula emphasized the emotional weight of the decision to part ways with McDermott. He noted that the atmosphere in the locker room after the loss to Denver influenced their choice. Allen, who will turn 30 in May, was actively involved in the coaching search, attending candidate interviews.
| Role | Previous Position | Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| Joe Brady | Offensive Coordinator | 2022 – Present |
| Sean McDermott | Head Coach | 2017 – 2026 |
The search for a new head coach involved general manager Brandon Beane and key organizational figures. Beane guided the process, stating that leadership qualities were paramount beyond mere playcalling capabilities. He reinforced the need for a head coach who could effectively navigate adversity and manage team dynamics.
Brady’s background includes roles as the offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers and as a passing game coordinator at LSU, where he contributed to their National Championship victory. His strong rapport with Allen is expected to play a crucial role in the team’s future successes.
