The Buffalo Bills didn’t just make a coaching change - they made a statement. After parting ways with Sean McDermott following a disappointing Divisional Round exit, the Bills could have gone in any number of directions.
Big names were floated. High-profile interviews were conducted.
But in the end, Buffalo chose to promote from within, handing the reins to offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
Brady is finalizing a five-year deal to become the next head coach of the Bills, a move that signals both continuity and confidence in the offensive vision he’s helped shape over the past few seasons.
Let’s rewind the timeline a bit. Brady came to Buffalo in 2022 as the quarterbacks coach, working closely with Josh Allen.
In 2023, when the offense stalled and Ken Dorsey was let go midseason, Brady stepped in as interim offensive coordinator. His impact was immediate - the offense found rhythm, Allen looked more comfortable, and the Bills surged down the stretch.
That performance earned Brady the full-time OC role in 2024. And now, just two years after arriving in Buffalo, he’s the head coach.
This promotion doesn’t come out of nowhere. Brady’s relationship with Josh Allen is a major piece of the puzzle.
The two have built a strong rapport, and that connection clearly carried weight in the hiring process. According to reports, Allen had a “significant say” in the decision - a rare level of input for a franchise quarterback, but one that reflects his stature within the organization.
Buffalo didn’t rush into this. The front office cast a wide net, exploring a range of candidates from across the football world.
Among those interviewed were former Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, who ultimately withdrew from consideration, and several up-and-coming offensive minds like Jaguars OC Grant Udinski, Broncos QBs coach Davis Webb, and former Bills OC Brian Daboll. Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak was also reportedly on the radar, but his availability was tied up until after Super Bowl 60.
In the end, the Bills opted for familiarity, chemistry, and a coach who already knows the locker room. Brady’s promotion ensures a level of continuity that could be crucial for a team still very much in its championship window.
Now the focus shifts to what comes next. As head coach, Brady will need to assemble a staff that complements his vision while maintaining the momentum the offense built under his leadership.
One of the biggest decisions? Who takes over as offensive coordinator - and whether Brady will keep calling plays himself.
That choice will tell us a lot about how he plans to balance the dual responsibilities of head coach and offensive architect.
There are still plenty of questions to answer, but one thing is clear: the Bills believe in Joe Brady. They believe in his connection with Josh Allen, his ability to lead a locker room, and his vision for the future of this team. Now it’s his show - and the spotlight in Buffalo just got a little brighter.