The Buffalo Bills are turning the page-and they’re doing it with a little Mile High flavor.
After a disappointing end to their season at the hands of the Denver Broncos, the Bills are clearly taking notes from the team that knocked them out. With Sean McDermott out as head coach, Buffalo has reshaped its leadership structure, and the Broncos pipeline is front and center in that transition.
Joe Brady, who served as the Bills’ offensive coordinator, has been promoted to head coach. It’s a bold move that signals Buffalo’s commitment to continuity on offense, especially with Josh Allen still in his prime. But Brady won’t be alone in steering the ship-he’s bringing in familiar faces, and both his new offensive and defensive coordinators come straight from Denver.
Pete Carmichael Jr. is stepping in as the new offensive coordinator. At 54, he brings a wealth of experience and a long résumé that includes time under Sean Payton in New Orleans, where he also overlapped with Brady.
That shared history could be key. While Brady is expected to keep the play-calling responsibilities, Carmichael’s veteran presence in the offensive meeting room should be invaluable-especially as the Bills look to fine-tune an offense that has all the talent but hasn’t quite hit its ceiling.
On the defensive side, Jim Leonhard takes over as coordinator, replacing Bobby Babich, who exits alongside McDermott. Leonhard, a former NFL safety and standout coach at Wisconsin, most recently served as Denver’s defensive pass game coordinator and assistant head coach. At 43, he brings a mix of energy and insight that could help reinvigorate a defense searching for a new identity.
Leonhard’s playing background and coaching versatility make him a compelling fit for a Bills team that’s seen its defense falter in key moments. His ability to connect with players and scheme creatively in the secondary could be a game-changer, especially in an AFC stacked with elite quarterback play.
These hires aren’t just about filling vacancies-they’re about setting a tone. The Bills are clearly trying to seize what remains of Josh Allen’s championship window. By surrounding their franchise QB with trusted voices and a fresh approach, they’re hoping to get back to being serious contenders in a crowded AFC.
It’s a new era in Buffalo. And with Brady at the helm and a pair of Broncos-turned-coordinators by his side, the Bills are betting that a little Denver DNA might be just what they need to finally break through.