Pete Carmichael Jr. has officially been hired to take over as the new offensive coordinator of the Buffalo Bills. He will replace Joe Brady, who was recently promoted to the head coach following Sean McDermott’s firing. The two of them already have a history of working together and will reunite to pursue a Super Bowl ring.
What Is the History Between Bills OC Pete Carmichael Jr. and HC Joe Brady?
The Bills have consistently been Super Bowl contenders in recent years but have ultimately failed to win a championship. This played a major role in their decision to fire McDermott, despite his massive success as their head coach.
Buffalo decided to promote from within, giving Brady his first opportunity to serve as an NFL head coach. He had been serving as their offensive coordinator, and one of his first moves in his new role was hiring Carmichael to fill the vacated position.
“The Bills are hiring Pete Carmichael as their offensive coordinator, sources tell The Insiders. It’s a reunion for Joe Brady and Carmichael, who had Brady on staff for two seasons during a 15-year run as OC,” reported Tom Pelissero.
The Bills are hiring Pete Carmichael as their offensive coordinator, sources tell The Insiders.
It’s a reunion for Joe Brady and Carmichael, who had Brady on staff for two seasons during a 15-year run as OC. Now, after two seasons in Denver, Carmichael heads to Buffalo. pic.twitter.com/PeuzwE7oAi
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 30, 2026
The Bills’ new offensive coordinator spent 15 seasons in this same role during his 18 total years with the New Orleans Saints. He departed the franchise two years ago to join head coach Sean Payton as a senior offensive assistant for the Denver Broncos. His time with the Saints is when he and Brady worked together.
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“Joe Brady was with the Saints in 2017 and 2018 as a young offensive assistant and Pete Carmichael Jr was the OC,” reported Ian Rapoport.
It’s an interesting role reversal for the two respected offensive coaches, as Brady will now be in the leadership role as the head coach in Buffalo, with Carmichael working under him. They will aim to replicate the success they achieved in New Orleans, working under Payton, when they coached one of the best offenses in the NFL for two seasons.
Joe Brady was with the #Saints in 2017 and 2018 as a young offensive assistant and Pete Carmichael Jr was the OC. Now, Brady hires Carmichael to help run his offense. https://t.co/9DMjIgJHQt
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 30, 2026
Their run together in 2017 and 2018 included the Saints finishing as the second-ranked offense in PFSN’s Impact Rankings in both seasons. They did so with Drew Brees as their starting quarterback, and will now have another legendary talent to work with. Josh Allen has been one of the best overall players in recent years, including winning the MVP award for the 2024 season with Brady as his offensive coordinator.
