Bills Promote Offensive Coordinator Joe Brady as New Head Coach

Brady tasked with leading Buffalo to first Super Bowl win with star QB Josh Allen

Jan. 27, 2026 at 11:07am

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The Buffalo Bills have fired head coach Sean McDermott and promoted offensive coordinator Joe Brady to be the team's new head coach. The 36-year-old Brady has been with the Bills since 2022 and helped develop quarterback Josh Allen into an MVP-caliber player. The Bills are hoping Brady can take the team to the next level and deliver the franchise's first Super Bowl championship.

Why it matters

The Bills have been a consistent playoff contender under McDermott, but have yet to reach the Super Bowl with star QB Josh Allen. The team is making a bold move in firing McDermott and handing the reins to the young, up-and-coming Brady, who they believe can get them over the hump and win a title with Allen in his prime.

The details

Brady first joined the Bills in 2022 as the quarterbacks coach, helping Allen throw for over 4,000 yards and 64 total touchdowns in his first two seasons working together. In 2023, Brady took over as offensive coordinator on an interim basis and was later promoted to the full-time role, earning finalist honors for Assistant Coach of the Year. The Bills are betting that Brady's offensive acumen and ability to develop quarterbacks will translate to success as a head coach.

  • The Bills fired head coach Sean McDermott following the 2025 season.
  • Joe Brady was promoted to Bills head coach on January 27, 2026.

The players

Joe Brady

The 36-year-old Brady has been the Bills' offensive coordinator since 2023 and was previously the quarterbacks coach. He is now being tasked with leading the team to its first Super Bowl championship.

Josh Allen

The Bills' star quarterback, a perennial Pro Bowler and MVP candidate who is signed through the 2030 season. The team is hoping Brady can help Allen finally reach the Super Bowl.

Sean McDermott

The former Bills head coach, who was fired after nine seasons with the team despite leading them to the playoffs in eight of those years.

Brandon Beane

The Bills' general manager, who was promoted to team president and led the search for the team's next head coach, ultimately selecting Joe Brady.

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What’s next

The Bills will now focus on building their roster and preparing for the 2026 NFL season under new head coach Joe Brady.

The takeaway

The Bills are making a bold move in firing Sean McDermott and handing the reins to the young, offensive-minded Joe Brady, betting that he can take their talented roster led by star QB Josh Allen to the next level and deliver the franchise's first Super Bowl championship.