A lot is changing in Buffalo. Another postseason loss led to a rare head-coaching firing, followed by a one-week search that ended with a 36-year-old first-time head coach taking control of a roster he helped build. The Bills have added a familiar and accomplished name to their coaching staff as they try to balance transition with continuity in Western New York.
John Fox Joins Joe Brady’s Staff as Senior Assistant
Buffalo hired former NFL head coach John Fox as a senior assistant on Joe Brady’s staff, a move reported by NFL insider Ari Meirov and confirmed by the team as part of its announcement of 20 assistant coaches.
Fox, 71, brings more than three decades of NFL experience, including 16 seasons as a head coach. He led the Carolina Panthers from 2002 to 2010, guiding them to a Super Bowl appearance following the 2003 season.
He later took the Denver Broncos to another Super Bowl after the 2013 campaign and also served as head coach of the Chicago Bears from 2015 to 2017. Before becoming a head coach, Fox established himself as a defensive coordinator and has most recently worked as a defensive assistant with the Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions.
The Bills have announced the hiring of 20 assistants to the team’s staff ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/6bHWbVERm5
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) February 13, 2026
The hire comes after a 10-7 season in 2025 that ended in a Divisional Round playoff exit. Buffalo then parted ways with head coach Sean McDermott and conducted a two-week search before promoting Brady, who had previously served as the team’s offensive coordinator. At 36, Brady is now the youngest head coach in the league.
Adding Fox gives Brady a veteran sounding board. Fox has experience with playoff expectations, staff turnover, and navigating NFL-level pressure.
Bills Reshape Staff While Maintaining Competitive Core
Fox’s addition was part of a broader restructuring across the coaching staff. The Bills announced 20 assistants as Brady finalized his first whole staff, signaling both philosophical adjustments and areas of stability.
Buffalo retained key pieces on both sides of the ball while promoting from within in select roles. Rob Boras was elevated to run game coordinator/tight ends following the retirement of longtime offensive line coach Aaron Kromer, who had overseen the running game.
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Joe Danna, previously the safeties coach, was promoted to secondary coach, preserving continuity within the defensive backfield.
The organization also brought in veteran voices to support Brady’s transition into the top role. Pete Carmichael was previously named offensive coordinator, Jim Leonhard defensive coordinator, and Jeff Rodgers special teams coordinator.
The structure suggests a collaborative model, with Brady overseeing the direction of the team while leaning on experienced coordinators and senior assistants.
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Buffalo remains built to compete in the AFC, even after the coaching change. The roster that produced a 10-win season and another playoff appearance essentially returns intact. The difference now lies in leadership and voice.
