Bills Name Pete Carmichael Jr. Offensive Coordinator Under Joe Brady
ORCHARD PARK, January 30, 2026 – The Buffalo Bills have made their first major staffing move under new head coach Joe Brady, agreeing to terms with veteran offensive mind Pete Carmichael Jr. to serve as the team’s offensive coordinator. The hire reunites Carmichael with Brady, with whom he worked on the New Orleans Saints staff.
Reunion in Buffalo
Carmichael, 54, joins the Bills after spending the 2025 season as a senior offensive assistant under Sean Payton with the Denver Broncos. His hiring marks a return to a prominent coordinator role for the first time since the New Orleans Saints dismissed him following the 2023 season. Carmichael and Brady share a history from their time together in New Orleans, where Carmichael served as the Saints’ offensive coordinator from 2009 to 2023, and Brady was an offensive assistant.
Key Facts & Career Timeline
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| New Role | Offensive Coordinator, Buffalo Bills |
| Previous Role (2025) | Senior Offensive Assistant, Denver Broncos |
| Tenure with Saints | Offensive Coordinator (2009-2023) |
| Connection to Joe Brady | Worked together on Saints offensive staff |
| Play-Calling Duties | Reports indicate Carmichael will not call plays; role is expected to focus on scheme and organisation. |
A Veteran Presence for a New Regime
The addition of Carmichael provides the 36-year-old Brady, who is in his first head coaching role, with an experienced offensive perspective. Carmichael’s 15-season run as the Saints’ coordinator, largely under Payton, included a Super Bowl victory and one of the most prolific offences in NFL history. His expertise is seen as a stabilising force for a Bills team transitioning from the Sean McDermott era.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Pete Carmichael call plays for the Bills?
According to multiple reports, Carmichael is not expected to be the primary play-caller. That responsibility is anticipated to remain with Head Coach Joe Brady, who called plays as the offensive coordinator prior to his promotion.
Why was Pete Carmichael available?
Carmichael was fired by the Saints after the 2023 season, following a decline in offensive production and a 9-8 record that saw New Orleans miss the playoffs. He then joined Sean Payton’s staff in Denver for the 2025 season before the Bills’ opportunity arose.
What does this mean for the Bills’ offence?
The hire signals a desire for continuity and experienced guidance. Brady and Carmichael are expected to blend elements of the Saints’ offensive system with the existing Bills scheme, aiming to build around quarterback Josh Allen with a structured, veteran-led approach.