The Buffalo Bills are turning to a familiar face in the offensive coaching world to help shape the next chapter of their offense. Pete Carmichael Jr., a longtime offensive mind with deep roots in the Sean Payton-era Saints, is set to become the new offensive coordinator under head coach Joe Brady.
This move reunites Carmichael and Brady, who previously worked together in New Orleans during the 2017-2018 seasons. That shared history could be key as the Bills look to retool an offense that, while still loaded with talent, has struggled at times to find consistency.
Carmichael brings a wealth of experience to the table. At 54, he’s been coaching for three decades, starting his career at the University of New Hampshire in 1994 before making the jump to the NFL in 2000 with the Cleveland Browns as a tight ends coach. From there, he made stops in Washington and with the Chargers before landing in New Orleans in 2006 as the Saints’ quarterbacks coach.
It didn’t take long for Carmichael to rise through the ranks. By 2009, he was promoted to offensive coordinator, a role he held through 2023. During that time, he helped orchestrate one of the most consistently potent offenses in the league, working closely with Drew Brees and helping shape the Saints' identity as a high-efficiency, pass-first attack.
Last season, Carmichael joined the Denver Broncos as a senior offensive assistant under Sean Payton, his longtime collaborator. Now, he heads to Buffalo with a new challenge: helping Joe Brady mold an offense that can maximize Josh Allen’s considerable skill set while finding more balance and rhythm week to week.
Looking at the numbers from 2023, the Saints' offense under Carmichael still had some juice. They ranked 14th in total offense, 11th in passing yards, 21st in rushing yards, and 9th in points per game. That suggests a unit that could move the ball through the air and finish drives, even if the ground game lagged behind.
For the Bills, the hire signals a commitment to blending Brady’s aggressive, modern offensive vision with Carmichael’s experience and structure. It’s not just about dialing up big plays - it’s about creating a sustainable offensive identity that can carry Buffalo deep into January.
Carmichael’s track record - from developing quarterbacks to designing intricate passing schemes - should pair well with Brady’s play-calling instincts and Allen’s unique dual-threat ability. If this new coaching tandem clicks, the Bills could be looking at an offense that’s not just explosive, but efficient and adaptable - the kind that wins games in the postseason.
This is more than a reunion. It’s a strategic partnership, and one that could reshape the AFC playoff picture in the seasons to come.