For the past two seasons, Buffalo Bills’ offensive coordinator Joe Brady has been a candidate in the head coaching cycle, but he has really been picked up as one in this cycle. He interviewed with the Ravens, Cardinals, Raiders, and most recently with the Bills after the shockingly fired Sean McDermott.
The Ravens have already filled up their head coaching spot with Jesse Minter, while the other teams are still in their search. At this point, Brady's best chance at becoming a head coach is right with Buffalo and he does have an advantage.
He's been the offensive coordinator since the middle of the 2023 season and has worked closely with Josh Allen during that time. Then again, nothing is guaranteed for him.
If Brady does not get the head coaching job with Buffalo, he could very well be out of Buffalo with McDermott. If the Bills go with a different candidate, they will have to decide if Brady will be on the staff. Or, Brady could end up just leaving seeing as how the Bills would go with someone outside the building.
Buffalo controls a ton of different scenarios with various teams and people, including Brady. If Brady does not get a head coaching job this cycle, he would still want to be an offensive coordinator, and one just came available within the AFC (but it’s not a great one).
Joe Brady listed as potential Steelers' OC replacement for Arthur Smith
Ryan Pawloski from FanSided’s Still Curtain listed potential replacements for now former Steelers’ offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who is set to join Ohio State as their offensive coordinator, per Ian Rapoport. In Pawloski's list, Brady was the first option mentioned as a replacement should he not get the HC job with the Bills:
"A young offensive mind, Brady has helped Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense reach another level. He could become the head coach in Buffalo or stay on their staff as the coordinator. The Steelers would love to add a headlining name like Brady, but they would have to compete for his services."Ryan Pawloski, Still Curtain
It’s one thing if Brady doesn’t get the head coaching job in Buffalo and is not retained, but to willingly leave the Bills and go to the Steelers who have no plan at quarterback and have not been great on offense in a very long time would be a huge mistake for Brady.
Not to mention, McCarthy is an offensive coach and who knows if he and Brady would be on the same page on the best direction for the offense. Brady had the advantage in Buffalo since McDermott was a defensive-minded coach.
The Steelers hiring McCarthy could very impact the Bills and Brady, but we will have to wait and see how it all plays out.