The Buffalo Bills are wasting no time reshaping their coaching staff under new head coach Joe Brady, and the early moves paint a clear picture: this is a team looking to blend fresh energy with proven experience as it enters a pivotal 2026 season.
Brady, officially named the 21st head coach in franchise history, steps into the role after two-and-a-half seasons as Buffalo’s offensive coordinator. He knows the DNA of this roster, and now he’s putting his stamp on the staff around him. Let’s break down the key hires so far-and what they signal for the Bills moving forward.
Head Coach: Joe Brady - Confirmed
Brady’s promotion wasn’t a surprise, but it’s still a big moment for the franchise. After interviewing nine candidates, the Bills decided to keep things in-house, elevating the 34-year-old offensive mind who helped guide Josh Allen and the offense through some turbulent stretches. Brady’s rise from college wunderkind to NFL head coach has been fast, but now the spotlight is squarely on him to deliver.
Offensive Coordinator: Pete Carmichael Jr. - Confirmed
This is a savvy hire. Pete Carmichael Jr. brings 15 years of experience as an offensive coordinator, most notably during his long tenure with the New Orleans Saints.
He knows how to build an offense around a franchise quarterback-he did it with Drew Brees-and he’s familiar with Brady, having worked alongside him under Sean Payton from 2017 to 2018. That familiarity should help streamline the transition and allow for a collaborative offensive vision that plays to Josh Allen’s strengths.
Carmichael’s offenses in New Orleans were known for precision, balance, and creativity. If he can bring even a slice of that to Buffalo, this offense could take another step forward.
Defensive Coordinator: Jim Leonhard - Confirmed
Jim Leonhard is one of the most intriguing names on this list. A former NFL safety and a rising star in the coaching ranks, Leonhard takes on his first NFL defensive coordinator role after serving as Denver’s defensive passing game coordinator. He’s long been considered a future star, and now he gets the reins of a defense that has been a steady force in Buffalo over the past few years.
Leonhard is known for his adaptability and ability to get the most out of his personnel. He brings a player’s perspective and a deep understanding of modern defensive schemes, which should help him connect with veterans and younger players alike. This is a bold, forward-thinking hire-exactly the kind of move you make when you’re building for sustained success.
Special Teams Coordinator: Jeff Rodgers - Confirmed
Jeff Rodgers brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record. He spent several years in Arizona, surviving multiple head coaching changes while consistently fielding solid special teams units. In fact, his group was the first to return a kickoff for a touchdown under the NFL’s new dynamic kickoff rules-and that return just happened to come against the Bills in Week 1 of the 2024 season.
Rodgers’ arrival adds a steady hand to the third phase of the game, and his ability to adapt to evolving rules and strategies should be a major asset for Buffalo.
Offensive Line Coach: Pat Meyer - Confirmed
Pat Meyer steps in to replace the retired Aaron Kromer after four seasons coaching the offensive line in Pittsburgh. Meyer brings a physical, no-nonsense approach to the trenches, and his units have traditionally been known for toughness and solid fundamentals. With Josh Allen under center, protecting the franchise quarterback remains priority No. 1-and Meyer’s experience will be key in keeping that line sharp and cohesive.
Bottom Line
The early moves from Joe Brady and the Bills’ front office suggest a clear vision: surround a young head coach with a mix of veteran minds and rising talent. Carmichael brings stability and scheme familiarity, Leonhard injects fresh ideas on defense, Rodgers locks down special teams, and Meyer fortifies the offensive line.
It’s a well-balanced staff that reflects both urgency and long-term thinking. The AFC remains brutally competitive, and the Bills know they can’t afford to tread water. With this group in place, Buffalo is signaling it’s ready to evolve-and ready to contend.