Joe Brady’s Next Big Move: Building the Right Staff in Buffalo
Joe Brady is officially the head coach of the Buffalo Bills, but if we’re being honest, that’s just the beginning. In today’s NFL, the head coach might be the face of the operation, but it’s the staff behind him-the coordinators, assistants, the voices in the headset on Sundays-that often determine how far a team can actually go. And for Brady, who’s planning to call plays himself, the hires he makes in the coming weeks could define his tenure in Buffalo.
The Chaos of Sundays-and Why Staff Matters
Game day in the NFL is organized chaos. Coaches have 15 seconds to get a play call in before the quarterback’s headset cuts off.
Decisions come fast, and there’s no time for second-guessing. That’s where delegation, trust, and a clear structure become more important than any single person’s football IQ.
We’ve seen what happens when a head coach tries to do too much. Sean McDermott, for all his success in Buffalo, never fully handed over the reins to his coordinators.
When he took back defensive play-calling, the defense improved-but the overall operation started to show cracks. That’s the tradeoff.
No head coach can do everything, and the ones who try usually end up paying for it somewhere else.
Brady’s already made it clear: he’s going to keep calling plays. That decision puts even more weight on who he brings in as offensive coordinator. This isn’t just about Xs and Os-it’s about finding someone who can help Brady manage the game, keep the offense humming, and be an extension of his vision.
Offensive Coordinator: More Than a Title
One of the early names floated was Davis Webb, and there’s a lot to like about that idea. Webb has a strong relationship with Josh Allen, and in a quarterback-driven league, that bond matters. He’s earned respect inside the building for his work with QBs, and the Bills even interviewed him-likely a move to gauge the temperature of the room.
But then Denver let go of Joe Lombardi, and suddenly the timing felt interesting. That move may have been a signal to Webb: stay put, and a promotion could be coming. If that’s the case, Buffalo might’ve missed their shot.
Nate Scheelhaase is another name to watch. He’s young, ambitious, and clearly on the rise-he was even on Cleveland’s radar for a head coaching job.
The upside is obvious, but the downside is just as clear: limited experience. Giving the keys to a young coach with minimal NFL seasoning is a bold move, especially when your head coach is also relatively new to the top job.
That’s where a veteran like Pete Carmichael enters the conversation. He’s got history with Brady from their time in New Orleans, and that familiarity could be huge.
If you’re bringing in a seasoned coach, trust is everything. This isn’t a job for someone who needs time to learn Brady’s tendencies.
The OC needs to be in sync with the head coach from day one, helping manage the operation so Brady can stay focused on calling plays.
This isn’t about ego. It’s about execution.
The Defensive Coordinator Search: A Crucial Pivot Point
If the offense is Brady’s baby, the defense is where he’ll need the most help. That side of the ball has let Buffalo down in too many big moments, and the next DC hire might be the most important one of all.
Jim Leonhard is a name gaining serious traction. He’s known for aggressive, attacking defenses-units that don’t sit back in soft zone and hope the quarterback makes a mistake.
That style fits today’s NFL. Quarterbacks are too good now.
You can’t just sit back and react. You have to dictate.
Look around the league. Brian Flores is doing it in Minnesota, and it’s working.
Pressure, disguise, and creativity are the name of the game. Passive defenses get picked apart-especially in January.
Leonhard brings that mindset. But he’s not the only option.
Anthony Weaver is another intriguing candidate. His year in Miami wasn’t perfect, but the broader body of work shows a coach who understands how to scheme pressure and adjust.
Then there’s Raheem Morris-maybe the safest choice of all. He’s experienced, respected, and more than capable of running a defense like it’s his own team.
That’s key. Brady doesn’t need to micromanage the defense.
He needs someone he can trust to take it and run.
Because that’s what this all comes down to: trust.
The Blueprint Ahead
Joe Brady has the offensive mind and the leadership presence to be successful in Buffalo. But no head coach wins alone. The coordinators he brings in-especially at OC and DC-will shape the identity of this team.
Brady’s already made one big call by keeping play-calling duties. Now he has to surround himself with the right people to support that decision.
Coaches who can take ownership of their units. Coaches who can challenge him when needed, and back him when it counts.
If he gets it right, the Bills could be looking at a new era of sustained success. But if he misses, even by a little, the weight of trying to do it all could come crashing down.
The clock’s ticking in Buffalo. Let’s see who Joe Brady brings into the huddle.