Joe Brady is stepping into his first head coaching role in Buffalo, and he’s bringing a trusted confidant along for the ride.
Brady’s former boss and longtime Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael is joining his staff as offensive coordinator, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo, and Tom Pelissero reported.
Carmichael spent the past two seasons as a senior offensive assistant under Sean Payton in Denver, but he’s no stranger to Brady. The two worked together in New Orleans from 2017-2018, when Brady got his start in the NFL under Carmichael’s guidance. That familiarity will give the first-time head coach a seasoned lieutenant he can lean on while navigating his new role.
Carmichael’s resume speaks for itself. Over three decades in coaching, he’s best known for his work with future Hall of Famer Drew Brees under Sean Payton. During that era, the Saints ranked first in total yards per game four times (2009, 2011, 2014, 2016) and finished in the top four in four other seasons (2012, 2013, 2015, 2017), cementing his reputation as one of the NFL’s premier offensive minds. After Payton retired, Carmichael remained with the Saints before leaving at the end of the 2023 season, then spending two years with Payton in Denver.
In Buffalo, Carmichael is expected to occupy a role similar to the one he held in New Orleans. Brady will call plays as head coach, but Carmichael will serve as a key strategist in game planning, weekly preparation, and overall offensive philosophy.
If the Bills’ offense reflects Carmichael’s work in New Orleans, fans can anticipate a high-powered attack beginning in 2026. For Brady, having Carmichael at his side ensures he won’t be navigating his first head coaching job alone.
