Joe Brady’s rise to the head of one of the NFL’s top offenses did not occur overnight.
It all started at LSU, where he was promoted to offensive coordinator on Matt Rhule’s staff in Carolina. That didn’t work out, and Brady dropped back down the coaching ranks. However, when the Bills opted to cut ways with former offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey midway through the 2023 season, Brady reverted to a familiar role, transforming the Bills’ offense into one of the most balanced and deadly in the NFL.
These accomplishments have sparked interest from clubs looking for new head coaches. Josh Allen, the Bills quarterback, would prefer that the rest of the league forget Brady exists for a month.
When asked how Brady has helped them improve, Allen responded cheekily, “Nothing,” according to NewYorkUpstate.com. “He has not done anything for us. “Teams should avoid him.”
Brady’s impact was noticeable almost immediately. Buffalo refocused on the run shortly after he replaced Dorsey last year, balancing an attack that was overly reliant on Allen’s abilities. The Bills won their final five games of the season, running the table and reaching the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
With a full summer to call the shots, Brady’s offense has taken off in 2024. Buffalo is ranked 10th in yards per game, with ninth-place performances in rushing and passing yards per game. Allen is a top candidate for NFL MVP. James Cook had his second consecutive 1,000-yard season on the ground, and the Bills are 13-4 despite losing Stefon Diggs in the offseason.
“He’s been fantastic,” Allen remarked about Brady. “You know, I got into that position last year… It’s difficult to change play-callers in the middle of the season, but he came in, and our splits and team success have improved since then. He’s one of the most upbeat individuals in the building. He always has zest and energy for the men. I believe that is something we admire and value in him. “He’s as genuine as they come.”
Brady learned offensive coaching as an assistant under Sean Payton in New Orleans from 2017-18, then transferred that experience to LSU, where he commanded one of college football’s most prolific passing assaults. With Joe Burrow at quarterback and Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase running routes, the Tigers went undefeated and won the College Football Playoff National Championship, while Brady received the Broyles Award as college football’s finest assistant.
Despite his challenges in a poor setting in Carolina, Brady has overcome hardship to find a role that fits him well. The Bills are hoping he will continue to lead them to success, including a possible Super Bowl appearance for the first time since early 1990s.
And if Allen gets his way, nobody will notice.
