Joe Brady’s Staff Taking Shape in Buffalo as Bills Build for 2026
As the Buffalo Bills turn the page to a new era under head coach Joe Brady, the team is steadily assembling the coaching staff that will help define the franchise’s next chapter. With several key hires already in place, we’re starting to get a clearer picture of who will be on the sidelines in 2026 - and what kind of identity this team is shaping.
Let’s take a look at some of the notable moves so far, including the return of familiar faces and the arrival of experienced voices across the staff.
Bobby Babich Stays Put as Defensive Coordinator
One of the biggest questions heading into the offseason was whether Joe Brady would retain any key members of Sean McDermott’s staff. That question was answered quickly on the defensive side of the ball.
Bobby Babich, who took over as defensive coordinator in 2024, is staying in Buffalo. Babich has earned the trust of the locker room and front office alike, and his continuity provides a stabilizing force for a defense that has long been the backbone of the Bills’ identity. He brings a deep understanding of the system and personnel, and Brady clearly values the foundation Babich has laid.
Keeping Babich in place is more than just a nod to the past - it’s a commitment to defensive consistency, especially as the team undergoes change on the offensive side.
Jeff Rodgers Joins as Special Teams Coordinator
The Bills are bringing in a seasoned special teams mind in Jeff Rodgers, who arrives with a wealth of NFL experience. Rodgers has spent over a decade coordinating special teams units, and his résumé includes stints with the Bears, Broncos, and most recently the Cardinals.
When asked why he gravitated toward special teams, Rodgers was candid: “No, it wasn't something I always aspired to be. Yes, I kind of just fell into it.”
That humility belies the impact he’s had throughout his career. His units have consistently been sound, disciplined, and opportunistic - traits the Bills will welcome as they look to tighten up a phase of the game that too often flies under the radar until it loses you a game.
Rodgers brings leadership, structure, and a no-nonsense approach that should resonate with a Bills roster that knows how thin the margins are in the AFC.
Offensive Staff Still Taking Shape
While Brady himself is expected to remain the offensive play-caller - no surprise given his background - the rest of the offensive staff is still being finalized. What’s clear is that Brady is being deliberate with these hires, looking to build a group that can support his vision while also challenging him strategically.
There’s an opportunity here for Brady to reshape the offense in his image, and that starts with the assistants he brings in. Whether it’s a quarterbacks coach who can help develop young talent or a run game coordinator who can diversify the ground attack, these hires will be critical.
What’s Next?
We’re still waiting on official announcements for several positions, and there’s always the possibility of additional movement as coaches around the league shuffle post-Super Bowl. But the early signs point to a balanced approach from Brady - keeping trusted voices like Babich while adding experienced newcomers like Rodgers.
This is a pivotal offseason for the Bills. After years of knocking on the door in the AFC, the franchise is resetting under new leadership. The coaching staff Joe Brady builds will have a direct hand in determining whether Buffalo stays in the contender conversation or slips back into the pack.
For now, the message is clear: continuity where it counts, and fresh ideas where needed. The 2026 Bills are starting to take shape, and the blueprint looks promising.