Carmichael’s hiring was announced Friday morning and drew immediate praise from former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel, who noted his past work with Brady in 2017 and 2018 and predicted a heavy Sean Payton influence on the Bills offense, including under-center play-action to complement Josh Allen.
Carmichael brings more than three decades of offensive coaching experience, most notably serving as the New Orleans Saints’ offensive coordinator from 2009 to 2023 before reuniting with Payton in Denver as a senior offensive assistant over the last two seasons. He previously worked with Brady on the Saints’ staff, a connection that helped propel Brady’s rise as a head coaching candidate.
With Carmichael on board, Brady moves to finalize his coaching staff and will turn his attention to the defensive side, where Jim Leonhard has emerged as a top candidate. However, Leonhard’s interest from other teams has slowed Bills’ pursuit, delaying a definitive decision on the defensive coordinator role.
The addition of Carmichael could provide immediate continuity for Josh Allen and potential schematic wrinkles that align with Brady’s vision, while incorporating Payton-influenced concepts the Bills hope will unlock the offense’s ceiling.
Overall, Buffalo’s offseason plan appears to be taking clearer shape: promote Brady to head coach, install Carmichael as offensive coordinator, and continue the process of securing a defensive coordinator as the team builds its staff around Allen.
