The Buffalo Bills aren’t backing down from their decision to promote from within - and they’re not apologizing for it, either.
After another gut-wrenching playoff exit, Buffalo made its biggest offseason move not by bringing in a new face, but by doubling down on the people already in the building. Sean McDermott is out after nine seasons as head coach, and stepping into the spotlight is Joe Brady, the team’s offensive coordinator turned head coach. It’s a bold move - not just because of the timing, but because of how the organization is framing it.
General Manager Brandon Beane, now also holding the title of President of Football Operations, made it clear: this isn’t about appeasing critics or winning headlines. It’s about trusting his gut.
In a recent interview, Beane didn’t mince words when asked about the backlash over the Brady hire. His response?
Essentially: forget the outside noise.
“It’s about the right selection for this team,” Beane said. “If we win, they’ll love it...
I’m not going to have regret of choosing someone to appease the outside if I thought it should have been something different. If I’m wrong, I’ll take my job and go home.”
That’s a GM putting his reputation on the line. And it’s not the first time Beane has done so.
He made a similar bet when drafting Josh Allen - a move that’s paid off in a big way. Now, he’s banking on Brady to help take Allen and the Bills to the next level.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t a wild swing in the dark. Brady wasn’t just sitting quietly in Buffalo - he was drawing interest elsewhere, including head coaching interviews with the Raiders and Ravens. But the Bills made sure he didn’t leave the building, elevating him instead to the top job.
There’s no ignoring the fact that Brady’s offense showed real firepower this season. Buffalo ranked fourth in the NFL in both total yards per game (376.3) and points per game (28.3).
That’s not just solid - that’s elite. Of course, having Josh Allen helps, but Brady’s fingerprints were all over an offense that found rhythm late in the year.
Still, there’s work to be done, especially when it comes to giving Allen more help at wide receiver.
Brady’s also assembling a staff that signals he’s not just here to maintain the status quo. He brought in longtime Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael to take over the offense - a guy who spent 15 seasons helping shape one of the league’s most consistent attacks in New Orleans.
On the other side of the ball, Jim Leonhard is stepping in as defensive coordinator. Leonhard’s been a rising name in coaching circles, most recently serving as the Broncos’ pass game coordinator and previously making waves at Wisconsin.
He’s young, sharp, and brings fresh energy to a defense in need of a new identity.
The decision to promote Brady instead of going outside the organization was always going to be polarizing - especially after the way the season ended. Fans wanted change, and while this technically qualifies, it’s not the shake-up many were expecting.
Beane knows the stakes. He’s said as much: if this doesn’t work, he’ll be the one packing up.
But for now, he’s putting his full weight behind Joe Brady. And he’s doing it with conviction.
The Bills are betting that continuity, paired with the right tweaks, can finally push them over the hump. It’s a high-risk, high-reward play - and in Buffalo, the clock is ticking.