Former Panthers offensive coordinator’s patience pays off as he lands the big break many believe was long overdue
Joe Brady is finally getting a head coaching opportunity.
It’s been a big week for former members of the Carolina Panthers that started off on Sunday when former Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold punched his ticket to Super Bowl LX with the Seattle Seahawks.
And on Tuesday, another member of that forgettable 2021 Panthers team landed a big break of his own in former Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
Joe Brady named as the new head coach of the Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills announced that Brady will take over as the team’s head coach, replacing Sean McDermott after serving as the team’s offensive coordinator over the last three seasons. It’s a long overdue promotion for Brady who finally lands a head coaching gig in the NFL.
Brady’s tenure with the Panthers didn’t feature much offensive success and many believed he was a scapegoat by former head coach Matt Rhule when he was fired by the team in 2021. Early next season, Rhule was also fired by the Panthers, prompting a full regime change to occur in Carolina.
While the offense during Brady’s two seasons wasn’t optimal (24th and 29th in scoring from 2020-2021), the Panthers still got the most out of the skill talent. In 2020, Brady had four Panthers players in DJ Moore, Robbie Chosen, Curtis Samuel, and Mike Davis total over 1,000 scrimmage yards each.
“I look at Joe’s time here and see all the good things he did. You get to a time such as this, and it’s time to move in another direction and continue the evolution and the process of building forward,” Rhule said back in 2021 after making the decision to fire Brady. “I’ll say it again. I think Joe’s going to have a fantastic career. Sometimes the worst things that happen to you are the best. I’m grateful for his time here. He’s done a lot at his young age, he’s got a lot more to do, and he’ll do a lot of great things.”
Rhule was absolutely right. Brady’s time in Carolina helped give him necessary learning experience, both good and bad. He took those lessons to heart and made the most of his opportunity with the Bills, starting out as a quarterbacks coach in 2022.
Now he gets the chance to lead the organization in hopes of getting the team over the hump and continue getting the most out of his quarterback and reigning MVP Josh Allen. Sometimes life is all about rolling with the punches, learning from your mistakes, and making the most of future opportunities. That’s exactly what can define Brady entering this new role.
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