Buffalo Bills hire Joe Brady as head coach after firing McDermott

The Buffalo Bills’ long-elusive first Super Bowl title remained out of reach following a heartbreaking overtime loss in the divisional round of the playoffs to the Denver Broncos last January.

While the Broncos were preparing for the AFC championship game, the Bills needed to recover for the postseason. Shortly thereafter, team owner Terry Pegula noted his belief that the Bills had effectively reached the “playoff wall” under Sean McDermott and decided it was time for a change.

McDermott’s nine-year run in Buffalo ended in January, and the search for the Bills’ next head coach began. Once the process began, star quarterback Josh Allen was given a say in the decision.

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In a conversation with Fox News Digital, Allen reflected on vetting candidates with Bills executives and participating in interviews during the search.

“It was different,” Allen said. “I didn’t really have time to think about what was going on before we took it to the next level… and I’m trying to help as much as I can. It wasn’t my decision, (hiring the coach) wasn’t my decision, but being in those interviews and maybe presenting some ideas or presenting some questions that people haven’t thought about from the players’ perspective, it was really cool to see that side as well. I hope I never got any closer to being done playing, but the whole front office mentality and seeing how it works. It was an eye-opener for me.”

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“It was really interesting, really great. I appreciate the hon. [Terry] “I’d like to thank Pegula and (Bills president of football operations and general manager) Brandon Beane for inviting me to these meetings and at least listening to what I had to say.”

After studying several candidates, Buffalo ultimately chose Familiar. Bills named offensive coordinator Joe Brady as head coach; The move sparked a backlash from critics who pointed to his place on a roster tied for multiple frustrating playoff exits. Brady’s role evolved over time from quarterbacks coach to interim offensive coordinator and eventually to the team’s full-time offensive coordinator.

Buffalo has been eliminated in the league round in three of the last four seasons.

Brady’s promotion doesn’t seem to signal a dramatic change, according to Allen. The quarterback said their existing relationship makes the transition feel natural, even as Brady settles into a larger role.

“It’s pretty much the same, very unique.” Allen told Fox News Digital. “Joe seems like the realest guy you’ll ever meet. But he’s cheering on the defense now, which is a new side that we don’t get to see as an offensive coordinator. Obviously now he wants to kick the defense’s ass. But now I make a tackle, he’s cheering on the defense because they made a play.”

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) walks off the field after a game against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium. (Mark Konezny/Imagn Images)

“It’s great to see him believe it though (and) to really take control of what the defense is doing. And he understands everything they’re doing. He’s brought in a very good lineup. We’re very excited for the season.”

Beane said the Bills aren’t locked into hiring an offensive-minded coach, even though most of the candidates’ backgrounds are offensive-minded. Brady was the first candidate reportedly interviewed.

Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane talks with quarterback Josh Allen (17) after practice at the Buffalo Bills Training Facility on July 28, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Mark Konezny/USA TODAY Sports)

For Bills decision-makers, Brady’s appeal went beyond his offensive past. What resonated most as the search took shape was how close his “CEO” vision was to Beane and Pegula. He had outlined it.

“It’s a CEO job. It really is,” Beane told reporters in January. “A lot of your time as a head coach or GM is stolen from me scouting, watching players, or a coach making their own X and O plan, so we have to make sure we get the leadership, the CEO part.”

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Allen hasn’t been the only Bills offensive player to heap notable praise on Brady since taking over as interim coordinator for the 2023 season. Wide receiver Khalil Shakir was among the group who shared messages of support shortly after Brady’s promotion to head coach was announced.

“Joe is great, man. Honestly, [my] Joe’s career took off a bit after I took over, so I gained a lot of affection for him and the trust he had in me. … I am extremely grateful for everything he has done,” Shakir said.

Then-Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady stands next to quarterback Josh Allen (17) before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on October 27, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Tight end Dawson Knox also echoed that support, saying: “I’m so thankful for it. [Brady]and this entire team, this offense, has great respect for him as a coordinator and as a person.”

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Allen continued his 2024 NFL MVP campaign by leading the Bills to a wild-card round victory in January, scoring the decisive rushing touchdown in that thriller against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He finished the 2025 regular season with 25 goals.

Allen and his wife, Hailee Steinfeld, welcomed their first child together in April.

“Our daughter has arrived!!” Steinfeld wrote at the time in a Substack titled “Special Delivery.” “We feel incredibly grateful and blessed and are savoring these first moments. Thank you so much for your love and well wishes.”

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