Bills Promote OC Joe Brady to Head Coach, Sparking Fan Outrage

Fans voice displeasure with the team's decision to hire an internal candidate after firing longtime coach Sean McDermott.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:23pm

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The Buffalo Bills have announced the promotion of offensive coordinator Joe Brady to be the team's next head coach, just eight days after firing longtime coach Sean McDermott. Fans have largely voiced their displeasure with the move on social media, expressing a desire for a complete coaching staff overhaul. The 'SHOUT!' podcast hosts discussed the Bills' apparent belief that McDermott, not the offensive system, was holding the team back from Super Bowl success, as well as the pressure Brady faces in a season with high expectations.

Why it matters

The Bills' decision to promote an internal candidate as head coach after firing McDermott has sparked strong backlash from the team's passionate fanbase, who were hoping for a fresh start with an outside hire. The move signals the organization's belief that the offensive system, not the head coach, was the primary issue preventing the team from reaching the Super Bowl in recent seasons.

The details

The Bills interviewed nine different candidates for the head coaching job but ultimately decided to promote offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who has been with the team for the past two and a half seasons. Brady took over as OC in the middle of the 2023 season when McDermott fired former OC Ken Dorsey. The 'SHOUT!' podcast hosts believe the Bills' decision indicates their view that McDermott, not the offensive system, was holding the team back from Super Bowl success.

  • The Bills fired longtime head coach Sean McDermott on January 20, 2026.
  • The Bills announced the hiring of Joe Brady as their new head coach on January 28, 2026.

The players

Joe Brady

The Buffalo Bills' new head coach, who was previously the team's offensive coordinator for the past two and a half seasons.

Sean McDermott

The former head coach of the Buffalo Bills, who was fired by the team on January 20, 2026 after leading them to five straight AFC East championships and two AFC title games.

Terry Pegula

The owner of the Buffalo Bills, who made the decision to fire Sean McDermott and hire Joe Brady as the team's new head coach.

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What they’re saying

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— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.