The Buffalo Bills are making a notable addition to their offensive brain trust, hiring Pete Carmichael Jr. as the offensive coordinator under Joe Brady, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. It’s a move that brings a wealth of experience to Buffalo’s sideline - and one that could quietly shape the direction of the offense in 2026 and beyond.
Carmichael Jr. has spent the better part of two decades working alongside Sean Payton, serving in various offensive roles with the New Orleans Saints from 2006 until Payton’s departure, then reuniting with him in Denver in 2024 as a senior offensive assistant. He’s been one of Payton’s most trusted lieutenants - a steady hand in the room, deeply familiar with the intricacies of a high-powered, precision-based offensive system.
Now, he’s heading to Buffalo, where he’ll work under Joe Brady - not as the lead play-caller, but as the offensive coordinator in a more traditional support role. Expect Carmichael to be heavily involved in weekly game planning, film breakdowns, and the kind of behind-the-scenes prep work that keeps an offense humming on Sundays. And while Brady will remain the architect of the offense, having Carmichael in the building gives the Bills another sharp mind with a deep well of experience in game design and situational football.
This hire also marks a significant shift for the Denver Broncos. Their offensive staff is undergoing a clear overhaul.
Joe Lombardi, who had been the offensive coordinator, and wide receivers coach Keary Colbert were both let go earlier this week. Meanwhile, quarterbacks coach and pass game coordinator Davis Webb is drawing interest from multiple teams - including the Broncos - as a potential offensive coordinator hire.
Even if Webb stays in Denver, the makeup of that offensive room is going to look very different.
Losing both Lombardi and Carmichael in the same offseason is no small thing for Sean Payton. Since 2008, either Lombardi or Carmichael has been in place as his offensive coordinator.
This will be the first time in nearly two decades that Payton will be working with a completely new voice in that role. And while change can be uncomfortable, it also opens the door for fresh ideas and different perspectives in an offense that could use a spark.
For Carmichael, this move to Buffalo is also something of a reunion. He worked on the same Saints staff as Joe Brady, and the familiarity between the two should make for a smooth transition. The Bills are clearly looking to refine and elevate their offensive operation, and bringing in a seasoned veteran like Carmichael is a strong step in that direction.
There’s no flash to this hire - it’s not going to dominate headlines - but it’s the kind of move that can pay real dividends once the season kicks off. Carmichael brings stability, knowledge, and a deep understanding of how to build a game plan that works. In a league where margins are razor-thin, that kind of experience matters.