Joe Brady makes his intentions clear with key coaching staff decisions that signal where the Bills are headed
Joe Brady and the Buffalo Bills had a busy weekend.
New Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady had a busy weekend, putting the team in a position to succeed just days into his new role. Things are going to be changing at One Bills Drive, and those changes have started to come in waves.
First, it was the team announcing that former Buffalo Bills defensive back and Denver Broncos defensive passing game coordinator Jim Leonhard would be the new defensive coordinator. The former Wisconsin Badger is one of the youngest and brightest minds in football, giving Buffalo a massive win in their search for a new defensive coordinator.
It was a busy weekend at One Bills Drive
Ian Rapoport broke the news that the Bills were also hiring Bobby April III as the new OLBs coach. He was the defensive coordinator at Stanford for the last three seasons and worked alongside Leonhard at Wisconsin. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because he also spent time with the Bills a decade ago.
Then, on Monday, Adam Schefter broke the news that John Egorugwu was joining the staff along with Jay Valai. Egorugwu will be the inside linebacker coach, and Valai will serve as the cornerbacks coach. Surprise, surprise. Two individuals with either ties to Wisconsin or the Buffalo Bills.
Brady has a type: either former Buffalo Bills players or coaches, or those who have been members of the Wisconsin Badgers. Not only that, but Brady is targeting those in the Sean Payton coaching tree, as was evident with their decision to hire Pete Carmichael as the team’s new offensive coordinator.
This isn’t a coincidence; it’s philosophy. Brady is clearly prioritizing familiarity, shared language, and proven trust as he builds his first staff, opting for coaches who either already understand Buffalo, Wisconsin’s defensive DNA, or the Sean Payton way of doing things.
If this early trend holds, it paints a clear picture of what the Bills want to be in 2026 and beyond: unified, aggressive, and built by people who already know what winning football is supposed to look like.
Buffalo Bills News
Bills get a massive win that will greatly impact 2026 and beyond, and it couldn’t have come at a more perfect time for the organization
A huge win for the Buffalo Bills in the early stages of the offseason.
