When a first-time head coach steps into the spotlight, the spotlight doesn’t just shine on them-it spreads across the entire staff they choose to build around them. And for Joe Brady, the newly promoted head coach of the Buffalo Bills, that spotlight is intense. Brady’s offensive acumen is well-documented, but now, as the man in charge, every hire he makes will be a reflection of his vision for this team.
It’s not just about calling plays anymore. It’s about building a culture, setting a tone, and surrounding yourself with the right minds to execute that vision.
The most successful head coaches in NFL history-from the dynastic architects to today’s elite-have all had one thing in common: a staff that could think, teach, and lead with the best of them. Brady’s got his work cut out for him, but he’s also got a strong foundation to build on-especially on the offensive side of the ball, where continuity could be his biggest ally.
Offensive Staff: Familiar Faces and Trusted Voices
Brady’s been with the Bills since 2022, and over that time, he’s built relationships and trust with a number of offensive staffers. Don’t be surprised if some of those names stick around-or even get bumped up into bigger roles.
Ronald Curry is one of those names. Currently the quarterbacks coach in Buffalo, Curry has already drawn interest from the Jets for their offensive coordinator job.
But there’s a real case for Brady to keep him in-house. The two go way back to their days in New Orleans, and with Brady confirming he’ll continue calling plays, having a trusted voice like Curry as offensive coordinator would provide both support and synergy.
Brady needs someone who knows his system, his rhythm, and his expectations. Curry checks all those boxes.
Austin Gund is another internal name to watch. With the recent hiring of Pat Meyer as offensive line coach, Gund’s future role is a bit up in the air.
But don’t count him out. Gund has earned praise during his time in Buffalo, and with Aaron Kromer retiring, there’s a clear opportunity for Gund to step into a more prominent role.
He’s respected in the building, and that matters when you’re trying to maintain continuity in the trenches.
Then there’s DJ Mangas, Brady’s longtime collaborator and friend. Their history goes all the way back to their playing days at William & Mary, and they’ve worked together at multiple stops-from LSU’s record-breaking 2019 offense to stints with the Panthers and now the Bills.
Mangas has been serving as an offensive quality control coach, but with wide receivers coach Adam Henry moving on, there’s a natural opening. Whether it’s that role or another elevated position, Mangas is a name to circle in red.
Other Potential Additions on Offense
Brady might also look outside the current staff to bring in fresh voices-some of whom he already has ties to.
Teddy Bridgewater is an intriguing possibility. While he still played NFL snaps last season, there’s always been a sense that Bridgewater has a future in coaching.
Brady has openly praised Bridgewater’s leadership and football IQ, once recalling a day when Teddy ran team meetings. If Bridgewater decides to transition into coaching full-time, don’t be surprised if Brady finds a spot for him.
Pete Carmichael Jr. is another familiar face. Currently with the Broncos as a senior offensive assistant, Carmichael worked with Brady in New Orleans and could bring valuable experience and schematic insight to the table.
Same goes for Joe Lombardi, recently let go as Denver’s offensive coordinator. Lombardi also shares Saints ties with Brady, and his experience could be a benefit in a senior role.
Defensive Staff: A Fresh Identity
While Brady’s offensive staff may lean on continuity, the defensive side of the ball is primed for a shakeup. With former DC Sean McDermott now fully focused on his head coaching duties elsewhere, Brady has the opportunity to put his stamp on the defense-and he’s reportedly eyeing some high-profile names to do just that.
Jim Leonhard is a name that’s been gaining traction. A former Bills safety who’s made a name for himself as a defensive coordinator at Wisconsin and most recently with the Denver Broncos, Leonhard brings an aggressive, attacking mindset that fits the tone Brady wants to set. The Broncos have led the league in sacks the past two seasons under Leonhard’s influence-exactly the kind of disruption Brady is looking for.
Jim Schwartz is another veteran name in the mix. Currently under contract with the Browns, Schwartz is reportedly seeking a new opportunity after being passed over for Cleveland’s head coaching job. He’s no stranger to Buffalo-he served as the Bills’ defensive coordinator back in 2014-and his decades of experience could provide Brady with a steady hand and a proven voice on that side of the ball.
Then there’s Raheem Morris, fresh off his stint as Falcons head coach. While his time in Atlanta ended, Morris is expected to return to a defensive coordinator role, where he previously thrived with the Rams, helping them win a Super Bowl in the 2021-22 season. His energy, enthusiasm, and aggressive approach align well with Brady’s stated goals for the defense.
According to league reports, all three-Leonhard, Schwartz, and Morris-are being considered for the Bills’ defensive coordinator vacancy. Each brings a different flavor, but all come with credentials that would immediately elevate the unit.
The Big Picture
Joe Brady’s promotion marks a new chapter for the Buffalo Bills, and the staff he assembles will be critical in determining how that chapter is written. He’s got a clear vision-especially on offense-and he’s surrounded by coaches who know him, trust him, and have helped him build that vision over the past few years. But the real test will be how he balances that familiarity with fresh ideas, especially on defense.
This is more than just filling roles-it’s about setting the tone for a new era in Buffalo. And if Brady gets these hires right, the Bills won’t just be retooling. They’ll be reloading.