Sports
Bills’ Joe Brady Balances Playoff Prep with Head Coaching Interviews
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady is juggling playoff preparations with head-coaching interviews as his team gears up for Sunday’s AFC Divisional Round game against the Baltimore Ravens. Brady, who has already interviewed with the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears, is set to meet with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday.
Brady took over as the Bills’ offensive coordinator midway through the 2023 season after Ken Dorsey was dismissed. Under his leadership, the Bills’ offense has flourished, with quarterback Josh Allen emerging as a leading MVP candidate. Allen’s success has helped elevate Brady’s profile, making him a sought-after candidate for head-coaching positions.
“It’s challenging to balance both – to be as prepared as you want for both situations, playing and interviewing at your best,” Bills head coach Sean McDermott said Friday. “I do appreciate the league in their approach – it’s changed over the years. They’re trying to get it to where it’s fair and conducive to being your best.”
The NFL has implemented rules to allow assistant coaches on playoff teams to conduct virtual interviews, limiting each session to three hours. This ensures candidates can focus on their current roles while exploring future opportunities.
Brady’s potential departure could impact the Bills’ offense, but McDermott expressed full support for his coordinator. “At the end of the day, Joe has my full support, No. 1 – he’s earned that,” McDermott said.
Meanwhile, the Bills are preparing for a critical playoff matchup against the Ravens. The game, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Highmark Stadium, could be one of the coldest in Bills history, with temperatures expected to drop to 10 degrees. The Ravens, led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, pose a significant challenge, despite ranking 31st in passing yards allowed this season.
Bills receiver Amari Cooper, acquired midseason, could play a pivotal role. In eight career games against the Ravens, Cooper has 32 catches for 452 yards and two touchdowns. “This is the kind of game a player of his caliber can make plays with the game on the line,” said former NFL MVP Matt Ryan, now an analyst for CBS.
As Brady navigates his dual responsibilities, the Bills aim to avoid becoming the first team in NFL history to lose four consecutive divisional round games. The outcome of Sunday’s game could shape both the team’s future and Brady’s coaching trajectory.