The Buffalo Bills are making a bold bet on continuity-and on a coach who’s quickly risen through their own ranks. After parting ways with Sean McDermott following their Divisional Round exit, the Bills have decided to keep things in-house, finalizing a five-year deal to promote offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach.
Brady’s ascent has been swift. He joined Buffalo in 2022 as the quarterbacks coach, took over as interim offensive coordinator in 2023 after the team moved on from Ken Dorsey, and officially earned the OC title in 2024. Now, just a couple of seasons later, he’s the man tasked with steering the franchise forward.
This move isn’t just about Brady’s coaching chops-it’s also about his connection with the most important player in the building: Josh Allen. The bond between the two has been well-documented, and it’s no secret that Allen’s comfort level with Brady played a significant role in this hire.
According to reports, the Bills made sure their franchise quarterback had a voice in the process. When your best player is also your leader and the face of the franchise, that kind of input isn’t just smart-it’s essential.
Buffalo didn’t rush into this decision. The team cast a wide net, exploring a variety of candidates, including some unexpected names.
Former Chargers and Colts quarterback Philip Rivers was among those interviewed, though he ultimately withdrew from consideration. Other names in the mix included former Bills OC Brian Daboll, Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, and Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb.
Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak also drew interest, but hiring him would’ve meant waiting until after Super Bowl 60.
In the end, the Bills opted for familiarity and momentum. Brady already knows the locker room, the system, and-perhaps most importantly-the quarterback. That kind of continuity can be a major asset in a league where coaching turnover often leads to growing pains.
Now comes the next big step: building a staff. Brady will need to decide whether to retain key members of the current coaching group or bring in fresh voices.
One of the biggest questions? Who he’ll tap as offensive coordinator-and whether he’ll hold on to play-calling duties himself.
That decision could shape the identity of Buffalo’s offense moving forward.
For a franchise still chasing its first Super Bowl, this hire signals a belief that the answers are already in the building. Joe Brady now has the keys. Time will tell where he drives this team next.