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Alaina Getzenberg
Multiple Authors
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Following yet another disappointing season where the Buffalo Bills fell short of the Super Bowl, owner Terry Pegula roamed the postgame locker room in Denver on Jan. 17.
The Bills had just suffered an overtime loss to the Broncos, marking the fourth time in five years that their season concluded in the divisional round. Observing the disappointment on quarterback Josh Allen’s face, Pegula determined it was time for a change, leading to coach Sean McDermott’s dismissal. He believed the team had reached a “playoff wall.”
On Tuesday, McDermott was wholly blamed as Buffalo opted for an internal promotion to fill the head coach vacancy. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady, 36, was elevated on a five-year contract, making him the youngest head coach in the NFL, despite having been part of several disappointing seasons as a quarterbacks coach (2022-23), interim offensive coordinator (2023), and full-time offensive coordinator (2024-25).
If change was necessary to propel the Bills past their Super Bowl barrier, how does appointing someone associated with previous failures achieve that? Let’s delve into this pressing matter, examining what distinguished Brady during the interview process and what lies ahead for him this offseason.
Why was Brady hired?
General manager Brandon Beane, who was also elevated to president of football operations last week, stated that the team wasn’t specifically searching for an offensive-minded coach. but, seven of the nine candidates interviewed for the head coaching position came from offensive backgrounds. Brady was the first candidate to be interviewed.
The Bills opted for Brady due to the continuity he provides, ensuring that Allen and the offensive unit have a coach they’re familiar with. But what truly impressed the hiring committee was his alignment with the “CEO” aspect of the role, as emphasized by Beane during a press conference with Pegula just days prior.
“It’s a CEO job. It really is,” Beane remarked. “Much of a head coach’s or GM’s time is taken away from scouting or overseeing plays, so we need to focus on securing strong leadership.”
While his identity as a coordinator is well-known, it’s still uncertain what Brady, who has never held a head coaching position at any level, envisions for his new role.
During the interview process, the hiring group resonated with Brady’s perspective on structural organization. His established working relationship with Beane means that they already understand what is expected from the offense.
Offensive players have voiced their support for Brady since he took over as interim coordinator in 2023, with tight end Dalton Kincaid among a select few who publicly backed his promotion on Tuesday.
Allen has consistently praised Brady, advocating for his advancement to the coordinator position. Upon officially taking over as full-time coordinator in 2024, Brady labeled it “Josh Allen’s offense.” Allen participated in coaching interviews, reflecting the team’s aim to secure a coach who would collaborate effectively with their MVP.
After signing a contract extension in the spring, receiver Khalil Shakir also expressed admiration for Brady: “Joe’s fantastic, man. My career took off a bit once Joe assumed command, so I’m grateful for the trust he’s placed in me… I truly appreciate all he does.”
“I’m extremely thankful for [Brady], and our entire team respects him not just as a coordinator but also as a person,” tight end Dawson Knox noted last week. “We can sense the care he has for us, both on the field and off, concerning our families. The way he led this offense, it felt like no game was out of reach.”
How much blame falls on Brady for the Bills’ postseason disappointments?
The encouraging news for Allen, set to turn 30 in May, is that he won’t need to adapt to a new offense. Nevertheless, there were periods during the 2025 season where the Bills’ offense faced challenges with consistency and playcalling, scoring 20 points or fewer in each of their five regular-season defeats. Allen endured a career-high 40 sacks in 2025, following a mere 14 sacks during his MVP season in 2024.
Brady has displayed a capacity to modify his schemes over the years, gaining valuable insights from his past experiences, including his stint as offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers in 2020-21. He is projected to continue orchestrating offensive plays in his new capacity.
Allen enjoyed one of his best seasons in 2024, and since Brady’s promotion to interim offensive coordinator in Week 11 of 2023, the Bills have ranked first in expected points added per play (0.14) and second in points per game (29.1).
Meanwhile, outside receivers have not thrived under Brady’s leadership; no Bills player has reached 900 receiving yards in the previous two seasons. The passing game, particularly downfield, faced struggles during 2025, leading to scrutiny of the talent within the receiver unit. Questions have also arisen regarding whether more accountability should lie with Beane for player acquisitions. In 2025, Allen logged the fewest career attempts of 15 or more air yards (93) and the third-fewest completions (44). The Bills’ air yards per pass attempt targeting outside receivers was the lowest in the league, at 9.7.
In their last three postseasons, Brady’s offenses have scored 24 or more points in every game. but, in the losses that eliminated the team each year, the offense had chances for potential go-ahead or game-winning drives that failed to materialize. Two years ago, the Bills fell to the Chiefs in the divisional round due to a missed game-tying field goal with 1:47 remaining, following a drive that consumed 6:40 of the clock. Last postseason, they lost to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game after a missed pass from Allen to Kincaid with two minutes left. This year, the Bills were unable to score during their only overtime possession in Denver after a debatable interception call involving Brandin Cooks.
keep in mind that the Bills’ defense also faltered during the postseason, conceding an average of 28.3 points per game over seven playoff defeats with McDermott at the helm.
A defining feature of Brady’s offense has been integrating a dynamic running game with Allen, including James Cook III clinching the rushing title in 2025. Cook accumulated 1,621 rushing yards, becoming the first Bill to achieve the title since O.J. Simpson in 1976.
From 2021 through Week 10 of the 2023 season, the Bills executed designed run plays 35% of the time (27th). Following Brady’s promotion in Week 11, 2023, their rushing rate surged to 44.2% (fourth) and they boasted the third-highest run rate in 2025. This trend is expected to persist moving forward, although changes may arise in 2026 as offensive line coach Aaron Kromer plans to retire.
“[Brady’s] players light up when his name is mentioned. They want to perform well for him… He instills confidence and positions you to succeed, and as a professional, that’s something you can greatly respect because our ultimate goal is to win,” left tackle Dion Dawkins remarked last postseason.
Determining how much blame for the offense’s struggles rests with Brady remains uncertain, but with him now at the helm, future outcomes will undoubtedly fall under his purview.
What’s next?
The staff Brady selects will be critical, especially on the defensive side. Former Bills player and current Broncos defensive passing coordinator Jim Leonhard is anticipated to be a leading candidate for the defensive coordinator position, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
A shift in defensive strategy would align with the decision to part ways with McDermott, as it signifies a broader change within the organization.
Among the coaching staff, a couple of coaches with established ties to Brady, such as quarterbacks coach Ronald Curry and offensive quality control & assistant wide receivers coach DJ Mangas, could be considered for future roles.
Significant roster adjustments are also on the horizon, with multiple starting positions raising questions. This includes the future of 2024 No. 33 pick Keon Coleman, who hasn’t thrived in Brady’s offense over the past two seasons. During a recent press conference, Pegula indicated the decision of selecting the receiver falls on the coaching staff.
Roster decisions will be pivotal for collaboration with Beane, who Brady will report directly to.
Pressure will weigh heavily on Brady, as he strives not only to maintain the Bills’ streak of success—seven consecutive playoff appearances—but also to elevate the team to championship glory.
Prioritizing advancement in the postseason with Allen is essential, and the Bills will aim for Brady’s continuity to facilitate this goal.
“I have a passion for calling plays, but I also cherish the aspect of teaching and being around the players, celebrating touchdowns with them,” Brady stated in 2024. “I didn’t excel in that area while in [Carolina]. This opportunity allows me to engage deeply with players, beyond just their performance as athletes but as people too. I take great pride in this role and in this organization. Living in Buffalo, I understand how much the Bills mean to the community.”
