Bills promote OC Brady to head coach

The Buffalo Bills didn't have to look far to find Sean McDermott's replacement, as the franchise is promoting offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach, the team announced Tuesday.

Brady signed a five-year contract, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Brady was in demand during this year's coaching carousel. He had recently completed a second interview with the Las Vegas Raiders for their head coaching vacancy. He also interviewed with the Baltimore Ravens, Atlanta Falcons, and Miami Dolphins for their respective openings.

The Bills' other candidates included Grant Udinski, Anthony Lynn, Brian Daboll, and Philip Rivers, who withdrew from consideration Monday.

Promoting Brady gives the Bills continuity with its franchise quarterback, Josh Allen. Brady joined the Bills in 2022, serving as the quarterbacks coach before being given the offensive coordinator position following the firing of Ken Dorsey during the 2023 campaign. Buffalo ranked second in points scored in 2024 and fourth in 2025 during Brady's two full seasons as offensive coordinator.

Before coming to Buffalo, Brady worked under Sean Payton as an offensive assistant for the New Orleans Saints from 2017-18. He later became the Carolina Panthers' offensive coordinator on Matt Rhule's staff from 2020-21.

The Bills decided to fire McDermott on Jan. 19 after being eliminated in the divisional round by the Denver Broncos. He recorded a 98-50 regular-season record with the team but struggled to generate deep playoff success. Although Buffalo made the postseason in eight of McDermott's nine seasons, he held an 8-8 mark and never reached the Super Bowl.