Joe Brady is stepping into the spotlight as the youngest active head coach in the NFL, and with that comes one of the most important early decisions of his tenure: who will lead the Buffalo Bills’ defense. It’s a pivotal hire, especially as Brady looks to establish his identity while maintaining the defensive standard set during the Sean McDermott era. Brady’s offensive mind is well regarded, but pairing it with the right defensive counterpart could define this next chapter for Buffalo.
Let’s take a look at some of the top candidates who could fill that role - each bringing a unique blend of scheme, experience, and potential fit with Brady’s vision.
Jim Leonhard - Broncos Assistant HC & Defensive Pass Game Coordinator
Leonhard’s name is already surfacing as a serious contender, and it’s not hard to see why. He’s no stranger to Buffalo - having played safety for the Bills and experienced the city and its fan base firsthand. That familiarity matters, especially for a team with a strong culture and an expectation to win now.
What Leonhard has done in Denver this past season has only elevated his stock. Despite injuries and personnel limitations, he helped craft a secondary that consistently punched above its weight.
His background in zone coverage and disguise concepts would offer a philosophical shift from McDermott’s more conservative tendencies, while still respecting the foundation already in place. For a young head coach like Brady, Leonhard could be the kind of steady, cerebral presence that helps balance the staff.
Jim Schwartz - Browns Defensive Coordinator
Schwartz is a name that carries weight. After a strong season coordinating a Browns defense that was among the league’s most aggressive and disruptive, he appears to be on the move following a reported parting of ways with Cleveland.
If Brady wants to inject some edge into Buffalo’s defense, Schwartz would bring exactly that. His 4-3 scheme thrives on pressure and physicality, with a heavy dose of blitzing and front-seven dominance.
He’s a seasoned voice with head-coaching experience, and he’s known for getting the most out of his defensive linemen - something that could elevate Buffalo’s pass rush in a hurry. While his approach would mark a more drastic departure from McDermott’s system, Schwartz’s track record speaks for itself.
Ryan Nielsen - Bills Senior Defensive Assistant
Sometimes the right answer is already in the building. Nielsen is a name to watch, not just because of his current role, but also because of his history with Brady - the two worked together in New Orleans from 2017 to 2018. That familiarity could go a long way in building a cohesive staff.
Nielsen brings a modern defensive mindset that blends man and zone principles, with the flexibility to adapt week to week. He’s got experience as a defensive coordinator at both the college and NFL levels, and he understands how to develop players within a scheme that evolves with today’s offenses.
Promoting him would offer continuity while still allowing Brady to put his stamp on the defense. It wouldn’t be a full-scale overhaul, but it would be a step toward a more versatile and dynamic approach.
Raheem Morris - Former Falcons Head Coach
Morris is one of the most respected defensive minds available, and his name keeps popping up for a reason. He’s been a head coach, a coordinator, and a leader of men - and he’s done it across multiple organizations with varying levels of talent.
What Morris brings to the table is adaptability. He’s shown he can tailor his scheme to fit the personnel, and he’s known for developing young players, particularly in the secondary.
That could be a major asset in Buffalo, especially with a defense that’s transitioning from its McDermott-led identity. While there’s no direct connection to Brady, Morris’ experience and reputation could make him a valuable sounding board for a first-year head coach.
Al Holcomb - Bills Linebackers Coach
Another internal option, Holcomb is a name that’s flown under the radar but deserves consideration. He’s been steadily climbing the coaching ranks and has already had a stint as a defensive coordinator in Arizona. While that 2018 season had its ups and downs, the Cardinals did finish second in third-down defense - a key situational metric that often defines games.
Holcomb’s strength lies in his work with linebackers, and that could help preserve some of the defensive core Buffalo has built. His system leans toward a 3-4 base, which would be a shift, but not necessarily a wholesale change. If Brady is looking for someone who understands the locker room and can provide leadership without shaking things up too much, Holcomb could be a compelling in-house choice.
Bottom Line:
Joe Brady’s first major hire will say a lot about the direction he wants to take the Bills.
Whether he goes with a familiar face like Nielsen, a proven veteran like Schwartz, or a rising star like Leonhard, this decision will shape Buffalo’s identity on the defensive side of the ball. With a playoff-caliber roster and expectations sky-high, the margin for error is thin - but the opportunity to build something special is right there for the taking.