Quick Read
- Pete Carmichael Jr. was officially named the Buffalo Bills’ new offensive coordinator on Saturday.
- He replaces Joe Brady, who was promoted to Bills head coach after Sean McDermott’s firing.
- Carmichael previously served as a senior offensive assistant for the Denver Broncos for two seasons.
- He was the New Orleans Saints’ offensive coordinator from 2009-2023, winning Super Bowl XLIV.
- The Bills also hired Jim Leonhard from the Broncos as their new defensive coordinator.
BUFFALO (Azat TV) – The Buffalo Bills officially named Pete Carmichael Jr. as their new offensive coordinator on Saturday, solidifying a key leadership position under newly appointed head coach Joe Brady. Carmichael’s arrival signals a significant restructuring of the Bills’ coaching staff, following their recent AFC Divisional playoff loss and the subsequent firing of longtime head coach Sean McDermott, ushering in a new era for the franchise.
Carmichael, a seasoned NFL coach, takes over the offensive coordinator role from Brady, who was elevated to head coach earlier this week. The move reunites Carmichael with Brady, who previously worked together on Sean Payton’s staff with the New Orleans Saints. This strategic hire aims to bring stability and a wealth of experience to Buffalo’s offense as they look to rebound from a disappointing end to their last season.
Pete Carmichael Jr. Joins Bills’ New Coaching Staff
The announcement confirms weeks of speculation surrounding the Bills’ coaching overhaul. Joe Brady, who served as the Bills’ offensive coordinator this past season, was promoted to head coach after Sean McDermott was dismissed despite leading the team to the playoffs in eight of his nine seasons. The decision came just days after the Bills suffered a narrow 33-30 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional second round, a game marred by four turnovers from star quarterback Josh Allen, according to 9NEWS.
In a related move, the Bills also reportedly secured Denver defensive backs coach Jim Leonhard to become their new defensive coordinator. Both Carmichael and Leonhard were part of Head Coach Sean Payton’s staff with the Broncos for the past two seasons, indicating Brady’s intent to bring in familiar and trusted coaching talent to his new leadership team.
Carmichael’s Extensive NFL Offensive Experience
Pete Carmichael Jr., 54, brings 32 years of coaching experience, including 26 years in the NFL, to Buffalo. He spent the past two seasons (2024-2025) as a senior offensive assistant with the Denver Broncos. Prior to that, he had a distinguished 15-year tenure as the offensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints from 2009 to 2023, a period that included a Super Bowl XLIV victory, as reported by Field Level Media.
Carmichael’s long history with Sean Payton dates back to 2006 when he joined the Saints as a quarterbacks coach before his promotion to offensive coordinator. Joe Brady also overlapped with Carmichael on Payton’s staff in New Orleans in 2017 and 2018, where Brady began his NFL career as an offensive assistant. This shared history suggests a strong existing rapport and understanding of offensive philosophy between the new head coach and his coordinator.
Before his time with the Saints and Broncos, Carmichael began his NFL coaching career in 2000 as a tight ends coach with the Cleveland Browns. He also held positions with Washington as an offensive assistant and with the then-San Diego Chargers as an offensive assistant and wide receivers coach.
Denver Broncos Face Coaching Roster Changes
Carmichael’s departure, along with Jim Leonhard’s, marks significant changes for the Denver Broncos’ coaching staff. Head Coach Sean Payton is now facing at least five new coaching hires this offseason. Beyond the departures of Carmichael and Leonhard for promotions elsewhere, Payton also fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, receivers coach Keary Colbert, and cornerbacks coach Addison Lynch earlier in the week, 9NEWS confirmed.
These shifts create a void in Denver’s offensive leadership. However, multiple sources indicate that Broncos’ quarterbacks coach Davis Webb, who had drawn interest from several teams for head coach and offensive coordinator roles, is expected to remain with the team and be promoted to Payton’s new offensive coordinator.
The Buffalo Bills’ decision to bring in a veteran like Pete Carmichael Jr. under a first-time head coach like Joe Brady reflects a strategic balancing act, aiming to blend fresh leadership with established NFL offensive expertise, particularly crucial as the team seeks to maximize the championship window with quarterback Josh Allen.