In the NFL, play-calling and culture-building are often cited as the highest qualities for a head coach to possess, and while there is merit to that, an often underappreciated aspect of being in the top position is who you fill your coaching staff with. Whether it be a coordinator, position coach, or strength and conditioning, having competent people you can allocate duties to only helps the organization, and this rings especially true with a first time head coach.
The greatest coaches in NFL history and in the modern era all have acclaimed pupils who have went on to find success in their own right. It's no secret that any winning organization starts with the people inside of it. With the promotion of Joe Brady to the next head coach of the Buffalo Bills, here are some possible names that can fill out his staff, and the roles they could contribute.
Early staff targets who fit Joe Brady’s vision for the Buffalo Bills
Starting on Brady's native side of the ball, the offense is likely to have less turnover than the defense, given the fact that Brady has spent the past two and a half years building a room with his guys.
Here are some current team members that could remain on staff and/or be promoted to different roles.
Ronald Curry- Currently the QB coach for the Bills, Curry has already interviewed with the Jets for their offensive coordinator position. Brady has known Curry since their days in New Orleans, and with Brady confirming at this introduction presser that he will remain the teams play caller, it would make sense for him to put a trusted voice and mind in the OC spot to help him with offensive duties as Brady now oversees the entire organization.
Austin Gund- Shortly after his introductory press conference, Brady hired Pat Meyer to be the Offensive Line coach, which leaves Gund's status in the air as of now. Gund has garnered praise throughout his time in Buffalo and with the retirement of Aaron Kromer, Gund seemed poised to take on a larger role with the team.
DJ Mangas- Currently on staff as an offensive quality control coach, Brady and Mangas go way back. Both Brady and Mangas played WR together at William & Mary from 2009-2011, as well as working together at the school in 2019. The two also shared the offensive booth at LSU in 2019, worked for the Panthers in 2020, and have both been with the Bills since 2023. With the departure of WR coach Adam Henry, it wouldn't be surprising to see Brady promote his longtime friend into that role, or any elevated role on the staff.
Other offensive staff options:
Teddy Bridgewater- Bridgewater, who played NFL snaps last season, might continue as a player in the league but if he does decide to step into coaching full time, there might be a place for him on Brady's staff. Brady once said about the quarterback, "Everybody that's met Teddy Bridgewater, he makes everybody better. We had a day where we had Teddy running the meetings."
Pete Carmichael Jr.- Brady worked with Carmichael in New Orleans. He is currently on the Broncos staff as the senior offensive assistant coach.
Joe Lombardi- Recently fired as offensive coordinator by the Broncos, Lombardi shares a connection to Brady from the Saints.
Defensive staff options:
Jim Leonhard- On Tuesday Jan 27th, Adam Schefter posted that Leonhard is "expected to be a leading candidate to become the next defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills." Leonhard brings an aggressive defensive approach to his teams, as evidenced by his years at Wisconsin and recent years as a part of the Denver Broncos, who have led the NFL in sacks in two consecutive years. Leonhard has connections to the Bills organization previously, playing two stints for the team.
Jim Schwartz- While still under contract with the Cleveland Browns, Schwartz has made it known that he wants out after being passed over for head coach in favor of Todd Monken. Schwartz would bring a veteran presence to the defensive side of the ball, which would surely aid Brady and take a little more off of the first time head coach's plate. Schwartz was with the Bills previously in 2014 as the defensive coordinator.
Raheem Morris- Having been fired as the head coach by the Atlanta Falcons, Morris is likely to return to his role as a defensive coordinator in the league, where he won a Super Bowl as one with the Rams in the 2021-2022 season. Morris would fit Joe Brady's coaching style of enthusiasm and energy, as well as aggressiveness, which Brady cited as a must for the defense in his regime.
NFL writer Jarrett Bailey reported that, along with Leonhard, the Bills have interest in Schwartz and Morris for the defensive coordinator position.