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, sources told 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 franchise quarterback Josh Allen. Brady joined the Bills in 2022, first serving as the quarterbacks coach and then becoming offensive coordinator 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.

Denver Broncos defensive pass coordinator Jim Leonhard is expected to be a leading candidate for Buffalo's defensive coordinator position, sources told Schefter.

The Bills fired McDermott on Jan. 19 after being eliminated in the divisional round by the Denver Broncos. He posted a 98-50 regular-season record with the Bills but struggled to put together deep playoff runs. Although Buffalo made the postseason in eight of McDermott's nine campaigns, the team compiled an 8-8 playoff record and never reached the Super Bowl during his tenure.