Bills Hire Pete Carmichael Jr. as Offensive Coordinator
The Buffalo Bills have agreed to terms with Pete Carmichael Jr. to serve as their offensive coordinator, marking the first major coaching hire for new head coach Joe Brady.[1] The move reunites the two coaches, who previously worked together during their time with the New Orleans Saints, where they collaborated on one of the NFL’s most prolific offenses.
Carmichael, 60, joins Buffalo after spending the last two seasons as a senior offensive assistant with the Denver Broncos, working alongside head coach Sean Payton.[1][2] He brings extensive experience to the role, having served as the Saints’ offensive coordinator for 15 years from 2009 to 2023, during which the franchise won Super Bowl XLIV in his inaugural season.[5]
A Proven Coaching Pedigree
Brady was elevated to head coach after the Bills fired Sean McDermott, despite the franchise’s recent success as a consistent playoff contender.[4] As offensive coordinator, Brady had helped develop MVP-caliber quarterback Josh Allen, who earned the 2024 NFL MVP award while playing under Brady’s offensive scheme.[4] Now, with Brady stepping into the head coaching role, Carmichael will serve as his top offensive strategist—a reunion years in the making.
The two coaches’ history dates back to 2017 and 2018, when Brady served as a young offensive assistant under Carmichael’s play-calling in New Orleans.[4][5] During that two-season span, the Saints ranked second in offensive production according to Pro Football Network Impact Rankings.[4] Carmichael’s tenure with the Saints also included helping develop Drew Brees into an NFL superstar, with the Hall of Famer crediting Carmichael as a crucial behind-the-scenes contributor to his success.[5]
Carmichael’s Coaching Legacy
Carmichael’s resume extends far beyond his Super Bowl-winning season in New Orleans. Throughout his 15-year run as the Saints’ offensive coordinator, the team finished in the top 10 in scoring during his first 11 seasons in the role.[5] Before joining Denver in 2024, he remained with the Saints for two seasons after Sean Payton’s departure, providing continuity and offensive stability during a transitional period.[5]
The appointment addresses a major need for the Bills, who have sought to maintain offensive momentum while transitioning to new leadership. Brady will continue to call plays for Buffalo’s offense, with Carmichael focusing on weekly game planning and preparation.[5] This arrangement allows the coaching duo to leverage their combined experience while maintaining clear leadership structure under the new regime.
Coaching comes naturally in Carmichael’s family. His father, Pete Carmichael Sr., enjoyed a lengthy coaching career spanning more than 40 years across high school, college, and the NFL, including one season as the Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator in 2000.[5]
The Bills have also hired Pat Meyer, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers, as their offensive line coach, signaling Brady’s broader vision for restructuring the coaching staff.[3] As Buffalo pursues its first Super Bowl championship in franchise history, the Carmichael-Brady reunion represents a significant step in the organization’s strategic overhaul.
