The Buffalo Bills are set to undergo quite a bit of change this offseason. After getting eliminated from the playoffs by the Denver Broncos in their divisional round matchup over the weekend, head coach Sean McDermott was fired by the team. And if a press conference held by owner Terry Pegula and general manager Brandon Beane is anything to go by, more moves are coming in the near future.
Of course, with McDermott gone, the first step for the Bills involves finding a new head coach. In the wake of the team’s decision to move on from him, Buffalo has quickly begun identifying candidates who could come in and replace him. On Wednesday, the team took a big step towards finding its next head coach by announcing some news involving offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
Bills Complete Interview with Joe Brady for Head Coach Opening
Shortly after McDermott was shown the exit door by the Bills, fans began speculating about who the team could target to replace him. Several big-name options emerged, but one guy who continues to pop up in the conversation, despite not being the top candidate, is Brady, who has worked hand-in-hand with superstar quarterback Josh Allen for several years now.
Brady was hired as the Bills’ quarterbacks coach in 2022, before he eventually became their interim offensive coordinator in 2023. Brady performed so well in his new role that he was officially promoted to offensive coordinator in 2024, and over the past two years, he’s received interest for various head coach opportunities.
While he may not be the flashiest option available, Brady would make a lot of sense for the Bills. He’s familiar with the team’s offense, and his established relationship with Allen could give him the inside track. For now, Brady is the frontrunner, as he was the first candidate Buffalo interviewed for its head coach opening on Wednesday.
“We have completed an interview with OC Joe Brady for our head coaching position,” the Bills announced in a post on X.
Should the Bills Promote Joe Brady?
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 17: Offensive coordinator Joe Brady of the Buffalo Bills looks on prior to the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Buffalo Bills and Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on August 17, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The same reasons that make Brady a logical candidate for the Bills are the same reasons that the team shouldn’t hire him. After moving on from McDermott, it’s clear that Buffalo wants things to change. Brady could usher in a new era, but how much is truly going to change for the team if he is simply promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach?
That may be an unfair reason to disqualify Brady from the race, but making that sort of move would likely enrage fans who are already fuming about the decision to can McDermott even more upset. Brady is a solid candidate, but he should only be a fallback option for Buffalo at this point. As a result, it will be worth keeping tabs on who the team interviews next, as that will likely indicate which direction they are heading in with their hiring process.
Bills Take First Step Towards Hiring Sean McDermott’s Replacement