The Buffalo Bills are turning the page-and they’re handing the pen to Joe Brady.
On Tuesday, the team announced that Brady, just 36 years old, has been promoted to head coach on a five-year deal. It’s his first head coaching job in the NFL, and it comes at a pivotal moment for the franchise. After a gut-wrenching playoff exit at the hands of the Denver Broncos, the Bills are making a bold move to reshape their future-starting with the man who’s already been in the room with Josh Allen, calling plays and building chemistry.
Brady’s rise in Buffalo has been a steady climb. He joined the team in 2022, initially as the quarterbacks coach, and was elevated to offensive coordinator midway through the 2023 season after the team parted ways with Ken Dorsey. Since then, Brady has helped stabilize the offense and deepen his connection with Allen-a relationship that now becomes the foundation of the Bills’ next chapter.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t a rushed decision. The Bills cast a wide net in their coaching search, interviewing a slate of intriguing names.
Mike McDaniel was on the radar before ultimately accepting the offensive coordinator role with the Chargers. Philip Rivers impressed during his interview but decided the timing wasn’t right for a jump into head coaching.
Former Giants head coach Brian Daboll was in the mix, as were respected defensive minds like Lou Anarumo from the Colts, Anthony Weaver from the Dolphins, and Anthony Lynn from Washington.
Brady even had conversations with the Raiders about their head coaching vacancy, speaking with them twice before Buffalo made its move. With the Bills now off the board, only three head coaching positions remain open across the league: the Browns, Cardinals, and Raiders.
One of the most telling parts of this process? Josh Allen’s involvement.
The franchise quarterback-visibly emotional after the playoff loss-was part of the search, a clear sign of how much weight his voice carries in the organization. And it makes sense.
Whoever stepped into this role would be tasked with not only steering the team forward but also unlocking the next level of Allen’s already electric career.
Brady now inherits that responsibility, along with the pressure-and opportunity-that comes with it. The Bills aren’t just trying to stay competitive in the AFC; they’re trying to break through.
They’ve come close, but the Super Bowl remains elusive. Brady’s job is to take a team that’s been knocking on the door and finally kick it down.
And there’s another layer to all this: the Bills are preparing to move into a brand-new $2.2 billion stadium in the 2026 season. It’s a fresh start in more ways than one.
New coach. New home.
Same mission.
Joe Brady’s promotion isn’t just about continuity-it’s about belief. The Bills believe he’s the guy to lead them into a new era. Now it’s time to see what he does with it.