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The Bills are bringing in Pete Carmichael as their new offensive coordinator, a source confirmed to ESPN.
Carmichael becomes the first coordinator hired for Joe Brady’s staff. Brady still needs to fill his defensive and special teams coordinator positions as he builds out his coaching team.
While Brady will continue calling offensive plays, Carmichael brings a wealth of experience to Buffalo. He’s currently serving as a senior offensive assistant with the Broncos but spent 15 years coordinating the Saints’ offense.
The move reunites Brady with his former boss. Brady’s NFL coaching career began under Carmichael, working as an offensive assistant in New Orleans for two seasons before eventually making his way to Buffalo.
Brady hasn’t been making these decisions alone.
“Josh Allen and I are in lockstep about what we’re looking for in an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach,” Brady said, noting they’ve been communicating throughout the process.
Some familiar faces will remain on the Bills’ sideline, though Brady declined to specify which coaches from McDermott’s staff would stay on board.
During Thursday’s introductory press conference, Brady emphasized the importance of building a diverse coaching staff.
“If we have a bunch of Joe Bradys in the room, we’re not going to grow and we’re not going to evolve, and that’s important to me,” he explained.
Brady wants a mix of coaching styles to complement each other.
“Some guys might be more fundamental-driven. Some guys might be the energy, the juice, the rah-rah guys. Some guys might be the calm communicators,” Brady said, highlighting his approach to assembling his staff. “And understanding the type of rooms that they’re coaching, and putting that room together is so important to me.”
Despite his connections in coaching circles, Brady made it clear he’s prioritizing quality over friendship.
“I only get one opportunity to be a head football coach. I’m not in the business of hiring my friends,” Brady stated firmly. “I’m making sure I want to get the best football coaches for these players ’cause they deserve that.”
NFL Network first reported Carmichael’s hiring.
