Joe Brady says he never set out to become a head coach. For him, the job was always about the work in front of him - and, more specifically, about calling plays.
“I never thought my identity was, ‘I want to be a head coach,’” Brady told BuffaloBills.com. “I just wanted to call plays.”
Now the NFL’s youngest head coach at 36 heading into the 2026 season, Brady has gone from Buffalo’s quarterbacks coach in 2022-23 to interim offensive coordinator in 2023 and offensive coordinator in 2024-25 before stepping into the top job. Even with that climb, he says his focus hasn’t shifted toward the milestone itself. It’s still about the task at hand.
As he gets ready for Sunday’s season opener against the Houston Texans, Brady said he isn’t spending much time thinking about the significance of his first meaningful game as Buffalo’s head coach.
“I’m run different. I don’t ever take those seconds and appreciate that,” said Brady ahead of Wednesday’s practice in Orchard Park.
“I know we have a huge test for our guys this week, and I’ve got to be whatever they need me to be. That’s the most important thing.”
Quarterback Josh Allen sees that same edge in the way Brady operates.
“He’s the first one in, the last one out,” quarterback Josh Allen said. “When he says he loves to work, he truly loves to work,” Allen said. “He loves football, he loves this game.”
That approach - energetic, direct, and centered on connection - has been a defining part of Brady’s rise in Buffalo. And as he prepares for his debut on the sideline as head coach, the Bills are also leaning on a staff that includes first-time NFL coordinators Pete Carmichael Jr. on offense and Jim Leonhard on defense.
There’s also plenty else surrounding the team as it heads into Week 1, including the status of several injured Bills players and how starting left tackle Dion Dawkins is preparing for his 10th season in Buffalo.
Elsewhere on the Bills front, James Cook could be in line for a bigger year with Carmichael Jr. calling the offense. Buffalo’s revamped defense is also under the microscope, while cornerback Maxwell Hairston recently changed his jersey number. Cornerback Christian Benford even spent a day at an amusement park, adding a lighter note to a busy stretch around the team.
In Other News...
Drake Maye Just Reinforced Josh Allens Grip On The AFC East
Drake Mayes 2026 season opener was the kind of start that does little to shake up the AFC East hierarchy. Even with better help around him in New England, the Patriots quarterback had a rough afternoon against Seattle, throwing three interceptions and finishing with a 54.9 passer rating in a loss to a Seahawks defense that made life difficult from the start.
For Buffalo, the bigger takeaway is familiar: Josh Allen still sits comfortably at the top of the divisions quarterback pecking order. Maye is still trying to find steadier footing and prove he can consistently move the Patriots forward, but this debut only underscored how much ground New England still has to make up before it can seriously threaten the Bills in the AFC East. [Read more 🡒]
Bills Punt Return Battle Finally Has A Week 1 Front-Runner
The Bills have at least put a temporary pin in one of their quieter training camp competitions, naming Dee Alford as their primary punt returner on the first unofficial depth chart for the season opener against the Houston Texans. It is only a starting point, of course, but it gives Buffalo a clearer picture heading into Week 1 and puts Alford in position to handle a role that can swing field position in a hurry.
Ray Davis and Khalil Shakir are next in line on the depth chart, giving the Bills a couple of familiar options behind Alford as they sort out special teams roles for the opener. Buffalo also has veteran return specialist Greg Dortch on the practice squad, and his presence gives the team another possible answer if the need arises as the roster gets finalized for game day. [Read more 🡒]
Josh Allen Faces A Week 1 Problem Bills Fans Know Too Well
Josh Allens track record in Houston is one of those quirks Bills fans know by heart, and it does not exactly inspire comfort heading into another matchup with the Texans. Across four road starts against Houston, including the postseason, Allen has had a hard time finding rhythm, with the Texans consistently closing down the pocket and making life difficult for Buffalos offense.
Houstons pass rush has been a major reason why, with All-Pro edge players Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter helping turn Allens mobility into less of a weapon than usual. Buffalo is hoping a new wrinkle in the receiving room can help change the equation, especially against a defense that likes to challenge quarterbacks with man coverage. [Read more 🡒]