Bills Hire Joe Brady as New Head Coach

Franchise looks to Brady to lead team to Super Bowl during QB Josh Allen's prime

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Buffalo Bills have hired Joe Brady as their new head coach, replacing Sean McDermott after multiple playoff failures. The Bills are looking to Brady to lead the team to a Super Bowl championship during the prime years of star quarterback Josh Allen.

Why it matters

The Bills have been a consistent playoff contender under McDermott, but have fallen short of a Super Bowl appearance. The team is hoping Brady, the former offensive coordinator, can take them over the top and deliver the franchise's first championship in decades.

The details

Brady, 33, was the Bills' offensive coordinator for the past two seasons and helped guide the team's high-powered offense led by Allen. The Bills decided to move on from McDermott, who had been the head coach since 2017, after another early playoff exit.

  • The Bills fired head coach Sean McDermott on January 10, 2026.
  • The Bills hired Joe Brady as their new head coach on January 15, 2026.

The players

Joe Brady

The 33-year-old former offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, who was promoted to head coach after the team fired Sean McDermott.

Sean McDermott

The former head coach of the Buffalo Bills, who was fired after multiple playoff failures with the team.

Josh Allen

The star quarterback of the Buffalo Bills, who is entering the prime of his career and the team is hoping Brady can lead the team to a Super Bowl championship.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We believe Joe Brady is the right coach to lead this team to the next level and bring a championship to Buffalo.”

— Kim Pegula, Bills Owner (ESPN)

“I'm excited for the opportunity to build on the foundation that's been laid and take this team to new heights.”

— Joe Brady (Buffalo News)

What’s next

The Bills will look to make a splash in free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft to surround Josh Allen with more talent as they aim to reach the Super Bowl under new head coach Joe Brady.

The takeaway

The Bills' decision to move on from Sean McDermott and promote the young, innovative offensive mind of Joe Brady signals the franchise's urgency to win a championship during Josh Allen's prime years as the team's quarterback.