The Buffalo Bills are turning the page on a new offensive era, and they’re doing it with a seasoned play-caller at the helm. Pete Carmichael Jr., fresh off a stint as a senior offensive assistant with the Denver Broncos, has been hired as Buffalo’s new offensive coordinator - the first major move under recently promoted head coach Joe Brady.
For Bills fans wondering what this means for the offense, let’s break it down.
Carmichael isn’t just another name off the coaching carousel. He’s a 31-year coaching veteran with a résumé that spans over two decades in the NFL.
Most notably, he spent 18 seasons with the New Orleans Saints - 15 of those as offensive coordinator - where he helped architect some of the league’s most prolific offenses alongside Sean Payton and Drew Brees. That Saints offense didn’t just put up numbers; it consistently ranked near the top of the league in yards and points, setting the standard for balance, creativity, and execution.
Now, Carmichael brings that wealth of experience to Western New York. In addition to his time in New Orleans, he’s made stops in Denver (2024-25), San Diego (2002-05), Washington (2001), and Cleveland (2000). That’s five NFL franchises and over three decades of evolving with the game - from the early 2000s to today’s high-octane, motion-heavy attacks.
For Joe Brady, this is a strategic hire. Brady, who took over as interim OC midway through the 2023 season and was later named head coach, now pairs his youthful offensive vision with Carmichael’s deep well of NFL knowledge. It’s a move that suggests Brady is looking to build a collaborative, veteran-informed offensive staff - one that can maximize the skill sets of stars like Josh Allen while adding new wrinkles to keep defenses guessing.
The Bills have been close - painfully close - in recent years. And while Allen has proven he can carry the offense with his arm and legs, the next step is about consistency, efficiency, and taking the burden off his shoulders when it matters most.
Carmichael’s track record suggests he knows how to do just that. He’s worked with Hall of Famers, developed game plans that marry precision with explosiveness, and knows how to scheme receivers open - a must in today’s NFL.
This hire isn’t just about X’s and O’s. It’s about culture, stability, and experience.
Carmichael has been through playoff runs, seen the highs and lows of NFL seasons, and understands the rhythm of a team chasing a championship. For a Bills squad that’s been knocking on the door, that kind of leadership in the offensive meeting room could be the missing piece.
Buffalo’s offense is already loaded with talent. Now, with Carmichael calling the shots and Brady steering the ship, the pieces are in place for the Bills to take another big swing at the Lombardi.