After interviewing a slew of prospective head coaching candidates, the Buffalo Bills finally got their guy.

Buffalo showed interest in potentially hiring former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll, who’s now the offensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, Washington Commanders running backs coach Anthony Lynn, Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, former Colts quarterback Philip Rivers, Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, and Denver Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb.

But when things finally shook out, the Bills decided that offensive coordinator Joe Brady was the prefect man to replace recently fired head coach Sean McDermott.

The tam announced Brady’s hire and that it had signed him to a five-year contract on Tuesday, putting an end to days of speculation as to who would replace McDermott, who won 98 games and led the team to eight playoff appearances in nine seasons with two AFC Championship Game appearances.

Brady Makes First Big Decision as Bills HC

It didn’t take Brady long into his tenure to make his first big decision as the Bills head coach.

“Joe Brady will continue to call offensive plays as the new head coach of the #Bills, source says. A plan for continuity for Josh Allen and Buffalo’s offense,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo wrote on X.

Buffalo ranked fourth in total offense (376.3 yards per game) and fourth in scoring (28.3 points per game) this season, and 10th in total offense (359.1 yards per game) and second in scoring (30.9 points per game) last season — all with Brady calling the plays.

During those two seasons, star quarterback Josh Allen saw some strong production under Brady’s watch.

Allen threw for 7,399 yards, 53 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions with a 101.8 passer rating. He also ran for 1,110 yards and 26 more touchdowns during that span, and many credit his close relationship with Brady for him getting the head coach job permanently.

What Everyone is Saying About Brady’s Hire

After news of Brady’s hire broke, seemingly everyone had an opinion on the move. Here’s what several of the top NFL analysts had to say about Brady landing the Bills job.

“For me, this does not seem to be a pick for the Buffalo Bills where [they say], ‘You know what, he’s the best offensive coordinator, we just want to keep that’ — that did not seem to be what this is about,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport stated. “This seemed to be more of, ‘We found the CEO of our football operation.’

“… Certainly has proven himself as an OC. He’s close with Josh Allen and has been a key factor in Josh Allen’s success, but he certainly seemed to have grown into the role as head coach.”

“Another key part of the interview process from my understanding, the ability to relate how they were going to fit together the scouting and coaching and making sure everything fit together — that was a core part of his pitch,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero stated. “It’s part of why now he is getting the job.”

The Athletic’s Dianna Russini added: “Without hesitation, the Bills will need to answer some questions about why they felt that the answer to their problems throughout the 2025 season was on their staff all along. Their delineation as to how complicit Brady was for the results in the 2025 postseason, as opposed to McDermott, is something many will wonder.”