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[Buffalo Bills]

Buffalo Bills players who had biggest impact on 2025 season

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) hands off to Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III (4) during the first quarter in an NFL football AFC Wild Card playoff matchup, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. Bills lead 10-7 at the half over the Jaguars. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] | Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Buffalo Bills finished with a 12-5 record in 2025, only good enough for second in the AFC East. They earned the six seed in the AFC playoff race, defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-24 in the Wild Card Round, and fell to the Denver Broncos 30-33 in overtime of the Divisional Round.

Offensively, the Bills ranked fourth in points scored (481 total; 28.3 per game) and dominated on the ground with a league-leading 2,714 rushing yards (159.6 ypg), 30 rushing touchdowns, and 5.0 yards per attempt. Quarterback Josh Allen threw for 3,668 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions (102.2 rating) and was once again a significant force in the run game. The defense excelled in pass coverage (2,668 pass yards allowed, 156.9 ypg) but was vulnerable against the run.

Advanced metrics highlighted Buffalo’s elite drive efficiency, red-zone scoring (top-3 TD rate), and expected wins over performance (11.2 projected to 12 actual). The 2025 season underscored a balanced, run-first identity despite inconsistency by the wide receiver room.

Here are the players and coaches who separated themselves (positively or negatively) from the others, and who heavily impacted the results of Buffalo’s season.

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Offensive rookie of the year: TE Jackson Hawes (Round 5, Georgia Tech)​

Jackson Hawes delivered immediate dual-threat value with 16 receptions for 187 yards and three touchdowns in limited snaps. He earned elite Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades (85.2 overall) in both pass- and run-blocking work.

Hawes’ play was huge for the league’s top-ranked rushing attack, with Hawes providing leverage in the run game and occasional red-zone reliability. Advanced blocking metrics supported top-tier yards before contact and gap integrity.

Defensive rookie of the year: DT Deone Walker (Round 4, Kentucky)​

Deone Walker emerged as a reliable contributor, appearing in all 17 games with 16 starts. He recorded 38 tackles (17 solo, 21 assisted), 1.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, and 16 quarterback pressures/hits. His massive frame (6’7″, 331 pounds) and relentless motor helped disrupt interior lines, support the run defense in key moments, and contributed to the unit’s elite pass coverage (No. 1 in pass yards allowed).

As a Day 3 selection, his high snap count, starting experience, and efficiency metrics (run-stop rate and pressure generation) highlighted Walker’s immediate impact and upside among rookies.

Honorable mention: CB Maxwell Hairston (2 interceptions, multiple pass breakups, and strong coverage snaps in 11 games despite a knee injury)

Protector of the year: OT Spencer Brown​

Brown anchored the right tackle position in 14 regular-season games (13 starts) and both playoff contests, earning a solid 76.2 overall PFF grade with strong run-blocking contributions (top-10 in several key run metrics among tackles). His play was key to the league’s leading rushing attack, boosting the team’s top marks in yards before contact per rush (3.1) and run block win rate (74.7%).

Despite Buffalo’s offensive line allowing 17 sacks overall (per PFF), Brown’s individual pass-protection efficiency helped limit pressures on his side, and enabled Josh Allen’s mobility and the offense’s fourth-ranked scoring output. Brown’s consistency, size, and technique in zone/power schemes made him the standout protector in a run-dominant scheme.

Honorable mention: LT Dion Dawkins (veteran Pro Bowl anchor with strong overall grades and leadership)

Special teams player of the year: RB/KR Ray Davis​

Ray Davis earned First-Team All-Pro honors as a kick returner after taking over in Week 9, returning 31 kickoffs for 943 yards (NFL-leading 30.4 average) and one 97-yard touchdown (at Texans in Week 12, shifting momentum). His explosive vision, decision-making, and yards-over-expected metrics transformed field position, setting single-season Bills records and aiding playoff positioning.

Honorable mention: K Matt Prater (veteran reliability with strong field goal percentage, long-range accuracy, and clutch makes)

Most disappointing player of the year: WR Keon Coleman​

Coleman flashed early (8 receptions for 112 yards and 1 TD in Week 1 vs. Ravens) but regressed sharply, seeing limited targets, healthy scratches, and failing to emerge as a consistent downfield threat, as off-field issues multiplied. The receiver room’s overall lack of 700-pluss yard performers amplified his failure to perform relative to draft pedigree and hype.

Honorable mentions: LB Terrel Bernard (failed to replicate prior production levels, struggling to stay healthy and lead the defense as expected as the unit’s captain)

Comeback player of the year: LB Shaq Thompson​

Shaq Thompson provided veteran stability with 56 tackles (33 solo), one sack, and run stops across 12 games after transitioning to the Bills and overcoming prior injury that limited his availability. His leadership and production in linebacker rotations helped maintain defensive cohesion, particularly in coverage and against the run, despite unit challenges. Furthermore, Thompson became the true captain of the unit.

Honorable mentions: CB Tre’Davious White (the veteran corner returned from major injury history with renewed starting snaps, strong coverage grades, and key interceptions)

Coach of the year: OC Joe Brady​

As offensive coordinator, Brady masterminded a historic run-heavy scheme that produced the NFL’s top rushing attack (2,714 yards, 30 TDs, No. 1 efficiency in EPA/rush and breakaway metrics), fourth-ranked scoring (28.3 ppg), and elite overall drive success despite WR struggles and occasional pass game issues. Advanced metrics like No. 1 EPA/play, high success rate, and sustained production with Josh Allen showcased efficient play-calling and player usage.

That all directly fueled the 12-5 record, playoff win, and the team’s overall success, positioning Brady for greater responsibility — he earned a promotion to head coach of the Bills for 2026, continuing as play-caller in the offensive side of the ball.

Honorable mention: OL Coach Aaron Kromer (masterful development of the offensive line that powered the league’s top rushing attack through elite run-blocking schemes and player improvement)

Defensive player of the year: CB Christian Benford​

Christian Benford anchored the NFL’s top-ranked pass defense (2,668 yards allowed, 156.9 ypg). He recorded 43 tackles (32 solo, 11 assisted), 2.0 sacks, two interceptions (one returned 63 yards for a touchdown), four pass breakups, and multiple forced incompletions across 14 starts (798 defensive snaps).

He earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in Week 13 (INT + fumble recovery TD) and posted strong coverage metrics, including a low opponent completion percentage and yards per target when tested. Benford’s shutdown performances against top receivers overall impact on the field were critical to limiting explosive passes on a unit that ranked elite in passer rating against.

Honorable mention: S Cole Bishop (team-high 85 tackles and 3 INTs)

Offensive player of the year: RB James Cook​

Cook claimed the NFL rushing title with 1,621 yards, (5.2 yards per carry, 12 rushing TDs) and added 33 receptions for 291 yards and 2 TDs, totaling 1,912 scrimmage yards and 14 TDs. He anchored the No. 1 rushing offense through elite breakaway ability, yards after contact, and vision, powering drive efficiency and red-zone success. Postseason contributions further cemented his value as the team’s top weapon at the skill positions.

Honorable mention: WR Khalil Shakir (consistent slot production near 700+ yards despite team-wide WR struggles)

MVP: QB Josh Allen​

Allen anchored the offense with 3,668 passing yards (319/460, 69.3%, 25 TD/10 INT, 102.2 rating, 8.0 Y/A) plus rushing contributions (including 14 TDs), leading the fourth-ranked scoring unit and earning Pro Bowl nods despite a lack of talent at wide receiver. Big-time throw rate, low turnover-worthy play percentage, and playoff output (556 pass yards, 4 TDs in two games) highlighted his dual-threat dominance and ultimate impact.

In what looked like a down year, playing half of it on a broken foot, Allen still put up MVP-worthy production, showing he is the force that makes the Bills go.

Honorable mention: RB James Cook (rushing title and production with high volume)

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Final thoughts​

The 2025 season highlighted the Bills’ ground-game prowess and secondary strength while exposing needs at receiver and run defense. Without Sean McDermott at the helm anymore, changes are expected under new HC Joe Brady. GM Brandon Beane runs the show the way he seems fit right now, together they will need to quickly fix the team’s issues and keep it competitive during the regular season to earn a chance at doing better in the playoffs, McDermott’s ultimate Achilles heel. Interesting offseason ahead.

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Catch up on all this and more with the latest edition of Leading the Charge!

Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/bu...players-who-had-biggest-impact-on-2025-season

 

[Buffalo Bills]

Buffalo Bills radio programming set for big changes in 2026

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 08: Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills is interviewed at Radio Row at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center ahead of Super Bowl LVIII on February 08, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images) | Getty Images

For those Buffalo Bills fans who live to digest their favorite NFL team over the airwaves, coverage of the Bills in that discipline will undergo changes in 2026. Beginning Monday, February 9 “One Bills Drive will be distributed in-house”, and will no longer broadcast on WGR-550 AM (and 950-AM The Fan in Rochester), ending a 14-year broadcast partnership. This is part of a broader initiative that will see One Bills Drive become more self-reliant in an effort to “produce and distribute radio broadcasts for preseason, regular season and playoff games starting in 2026.”

As to the team’s daily two-hour program hosted by Chris Brown and Steve Tasker, “One Bills Live” will stream exclusively continue to air on MSG, stream via the Buffalo Bills mobile app, and also stream exclusively on BuffaloBills.com. That means for those who spend a chunk of their afternoon driving, they’ll have to plan on accessing the audio portion in podcast form on the mobile app (or other podcast outlets), rather than a quick flick of the radio dial. In addition, segments of each airing of “One Bills Live” will continue to be made available on the official Buffalo Bills YouTube channel following each live airing.

Per the news release:

“In-house distribution will enable the Bills to expand their network of station affiliates across New York State, Southern Ontario, and additional regions throughout the country. The Bills will work with Good Karma Brands, a media and marketing company with expertise in leveraging the power of national and local sports, to build out their content distribution plan.”

WKBW sports director Matt Bové reports that he’s been told the same will apply to the Buffalo Sabres once their season ends, and that none of this news means “games won’t be on WGR 550 in the future, but other radio stations will have a chance to air games.” All told, Bills Mafia isn’t losing any of their favorite go-to programming of the last few seasons, but they may need to adapt to how and where they access it beginning February 9.

The future of our radio programming is changing.

Here’s everything you need to know: https://t.co/SR5lkmu45d pic.twitter.com/sYWBL1tP0t

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) February 3, 2026

For what it’s worth, I’m told the Sabres will be heading in the same direction as the Bills whenever their season comes to an end. That doesn’t necessarily mean games won’t be on WGR 550 in the future, but other radio stations will have a chance to air the games.

— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) February 3, 2026

Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/bu...radio-programming-set-for-big-changes-in-2026

 

[Buffalo Bills]

Bills training camp important to Buffalo’s head coaching search

PITTSFORD, NEW YORK - JULY 24: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills signs autographs during Bills training camp at Saint John Fisher University on July 24, 2022 in Pittsford, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Ever since 2000, the Buffalo Bills have called St. John Fisher University in the Rochester, NY suburb of Pittsford their home for training camp. In October, the Bills and St. John Fisher agreed to terms on a three-year extension to keep training camp at Fisher through 2028.

At the time, current president of football operations/general manager Brandon Beane called the process of going away for training camp “important to our team” and that it “provides such an important element of team chemistry, bonding, a real focus for everyone for how to prepare our team for a long season.”

Buffalo’s commitment to being one of the few NFL teams to conduct training camp away from home was on display during the team’s introductory press conference announcing Joe Brady as the 21st head coach in franchise history. Beane praised Brady’s attention to detail as someone who “values strong culture, collaboration and alignment.” He also revealed that during the interview process, he wanted to learn about Brady’s coaching philosophy, his day-to-day approach to running a team, how he would get the team ready for a game, and how leaving home and spending two weeks each summer at Fisher would be incorporated into his coaching plans.

“We spent probably 25-30 minutes with each candidate just going through every single detail of what this operation is going to be from right now through [offseason] Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, to training camp [and] how we’re opening camp,” Beane said. “We’re going to be away. I told every candidate we go away [for training camp]. That’s what we do, so I want to hear how that works for you.”

Buffalo’s exact arrival date, practice dates and information on how fans can score free tickets to training camp have not yet been announced. This will be the 25th time the Bills have conducted training camp in Rochester.

The Bills will release information on how fans can secure their training camp tickets, as well as the exact practice dates, sometime this summer. Based on previous training camps held at Fisher, expect the Bills to arrive around the last week of July and to stay in town for about two weeks for training camp.

For those Bills fans who want to watch their favorite team run through training drills and engage in intra-squad scrimmages, training camp is a great (and free) way to see the Bills up close and personal. Tickets for every training camp session are free, but they must be secured in advance, and they typically are gone pretty quickly.

Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/bu...mp-important-to-buffalos-head-coaching-search

 

[Buffalo Bills]

Buffalo Rumblings Survey: Predict the Super Bowl LX winner

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 02: A detailed view of the Vince Lombardi Trophy during Super Bowl LX Opening Night at San Jose McEnery Convention Center on February 02, 2026 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Bills fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

With the Super Bowl just days away, it’s time to get everyone on the record. Who will win Super Bowl LX? Let us know if it will be the Seattle Seahawks or New England Patriots. We will have results later this week and can compare how Bills fans feel about the game compared to the rest of the league. Cast your vote now before the survey closes!

Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/buffalo-bills-discussion/129342/packers-predict-super-bowl-lx

 

[Buffalo Bills]

Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady to retain several offensive coaches

Bills offensive quality control coach Austin Gund on the move between drills during day six of the Buffalo Bills training camp at St John Fisher University in Rochester Saturday, July 30, 2022. Sd 073022 Bills Camp 50 Spts

The Buffalo Bills promoted offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach in the wake of former head coach Sean McDermott’s firing. Over the last few weeks, Brady has worked to assemble his coaching staff, including bringing in offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, defensive coordinator Jim Leonard, and special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers. On Thursday, Brady confirmed that he will retain seven members of his 2025 offensive staff next season.

Brady said that running backs coach Kelly Skipper, assistant offensive line coach Austin Gund, tight ends coach Rob Boras, offensive quality control coach/assistant wide receivers coach DJ Mangas, passing game specialist/game management coach Mark Lubick, offensive assistant Amelia Wilson, and offensive quality control coach Kyle Shurmur will all remain on staff with the Bills next season.

Joe Brady said Kelly Skipper (RB), Rob Boras (TE), Austin Gund (ast. OL), DJ Mangas (ast. WR), Kyle Schurmer (off. qual control), Amelia Wilson (off. ast.), and Marc Lubick (pass game) will all be retained on staff.

Positions listed is what they were in 2025. Roles could change

— Sal Capaccio (@SalSports) February 5, 2026

As Sal Capaccio tweeted, while their 2025 jobs are listed, their roles could change moving forward. Buffalo’s offense was fourth in scoring, fourth in total yards, and first in rushing yards and attempts. The Bills were 15th in passing yards and seventh in passing touchdowns despite ranking just twenty-fifth in passing attempts.

Of the coaches Brady will retain, Boras is one of three who have been with Buffalo for nine seasons, having coached the team’s tight ends since the 2017 season. He has overseen the development of Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid. He also helped a pair of rookies — undrafted Keleki Latu and, more significantly, fifth-round draft choice Jackson Hawes — make big contributions throughout the 2025 season. He was the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive coordinator in 2016, and he has coached tight ends at the NFL level since the 2004 season.

Kelly Skipper is the other 2017 hire who will stick with the team, as he has coached Buffalo’s running backs for the last nine seasons. Skipper has worked with everyone from LeSean McCoy to James Cook III during his tenure with the team, and he’s done a phenomenal job developing Buffalo’s backs. The Bills have drafted Devin Singletary, Zack Moss, and Ray Davis in addition to Cook during Skipper’s time with the team, and each of those players have had solid NFL careers, with Cook obviously being the cream of the crop.

Mark Lubick has also been with Buffalo since the 2017 season. According to his biography on the team’s website, he has served “a variety of roles on offense” during his tenure. He played safety at Montana State, but he has coached mostly wide receivers and quarterbacks since moving onto the sidelines.

Austin Gund was another big name on staff, as he served as the assistant to renowned offensive line coach Aaron Kromer for the last three seasons. With Kromer having retired, the Bills hired former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line coach Pat Meyer, who was an assistant of Kromer’s in Buffalo for the 2015 and 2016 seasons.

Shurmur and Mangas have been with Buffalo since 2022 and 2023, respectively. Amelia Wilson joined the team as a Fellowship Coach during training camp ahead of the 2024 NFL season.

Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/bu...joe-brady-to-retain-several-offensive-coaches

 

[Buffalo Bills]

Buffalo Bills hiring Terrance Jamison as defensive line coach

CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 21: Illinois Fighting Illini Co-Defensive Coordinator Terrance Jamison looks on as players warm up for the college football game between the Wisconsin Badgers and the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 21, 2023, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Buffalo Bills are set to hire Terrance Jamison as the team’s new defensive line coach, per a report by Adam Schefter. Jamison, a former collegiate defensive lineman with the University of Wisconsin (2005-2007), was most recently the co-defensive coordinator/defensive line coach with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign from 2023 through 2025.

Jamison brings a deep defensive coaching resume to One Bills Drive, a career that began back in 2008 when he was an assistant defensive line coach as a student assistant for Wisconsin through the Badgers’ 2009 season. In 2010, Jamison transitioned to high school coaching, joining Edgewood High School as a defensive line coach. A year later, Jamison headed back to Wisconsin, being named quality control coach for Wisconsin’s 2011 season, then in 2012 coaching with the Badgers as a graduate assistant.

In 2013, Jamison made his way to coaching at the University of California, accepting a job as defensive quality control coach. From there, Jamison joined Florida Atlantic University as the team’s defensive line coach from 2014 through 2016. Jamison’s next stop was with Texas Tech University as defensive line coach for the 2018 and 2019 college seasons.

Jamison joined the United States Air Force Academy in 2019 as the football team’s defensive line coach, then in 2010 he coached the defensive line for Purdue University. In 2021, Jamison landed with Illinois, where he first was named defensive line coach through the 2022 season, then receiving a promotion to co-defensive coordinator/defensive line coach for the 2023 through 2025 seasons.

Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/bu...ring-terrance-jamison-as-defensive-line-coach

 

[Buffalo Bills]

Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen finishes third in 2025 NFL MVP voting

Jan 5, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) and New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) talk on the field before the start of the game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has been named the Associated Press NFL MVP following a 2025 season for the ages. While Stafford lacks the sort of dual-threat wizardry found in recent MVPs such as Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Patrick Mahomes, he does possess near-surgical accuracy and a tireless arm.

Stafford earned a total of 366 points, with 24 first-place votes. In second place, New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye finished with 361 points, earning 23 first-place votes in the process.

The prior reigning NFL MVP, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, was a distant third with 91 total points and two first-place votes. In total, there were 50 first-place votes to go around, with Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert the only other person to receive a (single) first-place vote.

Depending on how one looks at the results, it’s more than possible that Josh Allen prevented Drake Maye from claiming the NFL MVP title. Allen’s two first-place votes would have been enough for Maye to vault Stafford in what would have likely been a highly debated victory.

Of course, we don’t know that those who voted for Allen would have gone with Maye instead, nor do we know who the lone vote for Herbert would have gone to if not him. It’s possible that things could have even ended in a dead heat, with Stafford and Maye getting 25 first-place votes apiece. It’s also just as likely that those votes for Allen and Herbert could have instead gone to Stafford, thus further distancing him from Maye. Though Maye could have also won those three votes and claimed a two-point MVP win over Stafford.

What stands out most is that this was always a two-person race and in the end it was as close as possible while still determining an outright winner. However, it’s still a compelling question: Did Allen throw a monkeywrench into the voting process?

Josh Allen finished third in MVP voting and received 2 first-place votes. https://t.co/ELgKkEdmeY

— Sal Capaccio (@SalSports) February 6, 2026

Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/bu...h-allen-finishes-third-in-2025-nfl-mvp-voting

 

[Buffalo Bills]

Buffalo Bills OC Pete Carmichael excited to work with Joe Brady again

Oct 12, 2025; Tottenham, United Kingdom; Denver Broncos senior offensive assistant coach Pete Carmichael watches during an NFL International Series game against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Since the Buffalo Bills lost to the Denver Broncos in this past season’s Divisional Round of the playoffs, it’s been anything other than status-quo at One Bills Drive. Gone is head coach Sean McDermott. In his place is Joe Brady, promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach in a move that surprised many observers.

To those outside the building, it felt too similar to status-quo in ultimately promoting Brady, but a look deeper reveals that Buffalo’s latest group of coaches is anything but the same old same old of the last nine seasons. Brady has begun assembling a nuanced team of coaches, both those relatively new to their respective roles, and others who have a wealth of experience.

Earlier this week, new offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael had his first turn at the microphone since being hired by new Bills head coach Joe Brady. Immediately, Carmichael acknowledged his excitement in finally being able to get back to working with Brady — something the two did as part of Sean Payton’s coaching staff with the New Orleans Saints.

Carmichael understands how fortunate he is to be stepping into a role that allows him to work with quarterback Josh Allen, saying “(a)ll the years I was in New Orleans, when Drew Brees was there I was a good coach, so yeah, I’m pretty excited about that,” well aware that Allen is fully capable of making a bad play look brilliant.

In terms of play calling, Brady will continue to do that, but Carmichael was asked about his role in that process, to which he leaned in on his experience with Payton and the Saints:

“I think the main thing is, when you talk about things that might come up with the head coach that he’s got to deal with and he’s not able to be in the room, that the message that he wants portrayed whether it’s to the coaching staff, the team, whoever — that I’m portraying the exact same message that he would want the players to hear. Maybe: ‘How are we running this route?’; ‘How are we blocking this scheme?’ But he wants to make sure that the communication is as if he was in the room saying it.”

A popular topic at One Bills Drive since Stefon Diggs was sent packing, outsiders want to know what the team values in a wide receiver and how they intend to succeed at the position. Just a few minutes into his first presser, Carmichael was offered this very bridge, and he obliged, responding to what he believes “makes a good wide receiver”:

“I think there’s got to be some multiple guys and like each receiver might have a different, let’s just call it a different route tree or a different thing that they bring to the table. So, each receiver’s not gonna be great at every route — maybe there’s, ‘hey this receiver’s great in the slot’ and he can do some of those things. But I think the important thing when you have the room is your ability as a coaching staff is to make sure you’re putting those guys in those spots where they can have success and you’re not asking them to do things that maybe aren’t their specialty. But you know, you’re always looking for, I mean in an ideal world you’re always looking for size, speed. But I think that you know when you come across with the whole group it’s really saying ‘okay who fits our scheme, and how do those players fit our scheme.’”

When Carmichael was with New Orleans, he played a key role in the development of running back Alvin Kamara. Carmichael was asked how he might help Bills running back James Cook III become a similar player as a true dual-threat nightmare for opposing defenses.

“I think he’s already proven that he’s done some of those things, right? He’s pretty good, so maybe my goal is just not to screw him up. But, no, you know, just any great player wants to [be asked] ‘hey what’s something that, you know, you might see?’ And then you just give him a little coaching point or have an opportunity to talk to him and visit with him. But, just anything that he might be able to use, whether there is something that, you know, [similar to Kamara] ‘hey Alvin used to do this,’ or whatever. But I think I’m real excited about the player.”

In a follow-up, Carmichael further explained:

“You know, I think that part of that may just be as a coaching staff, giving him those opportunities, but then as you’re game planning during the week you’re making sure that ‘hey, there’s enough in there for him,’ that those opportunities are going to happen. You know, there’s some teams where you feel you might feel better about your matchups inside with your running backs and your tight ends as opposed to on the outside. And then there’s some weeks where — so I think it can vary week to week, but just giving him those opportunities getting the ball in his hands.”

Catch up now with all Pete Carmichael had to say in his first press conference, embedded below.

Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/bu...rmichael-excited-to-work-with-joe-brady-again

 

[Buffalo Bills]

Bills news: Joe Brady seeking collaborative teachers for Buffalo’s staff

New Bills head coach Joe Brady talks about some of his vision as coach at the Bills field house in Orchard Park on Jan. 29, 2026. | Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Knowing full well that the Buffalo Bills are facing immediate pressure to not only make it to but win the franchise’s first Super Bowl under his watch as head coach, Joe Brady has gone about filling out his coaching staff by seeking to hire coaches who are fond of working together and incorporating strategies that suit the players’ strengths on the team.

Brady has been searching to fill the coaching ranks with teachers with a reputation for educating players on the game of football as he embarks on his first head-coaching position. Today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off by exploring why Brady is making it a priority to bring in collaborative teachers to carry out his vision in Buffalo.

Collaborative approach fuels Joe Brady’s coaching hires​

Linked below: Exploring why Joe Brady is placing so much emphasis on assistant coaches with strong backgrounds as teachers of the game of football; how Brady plans on leading the Bills using a collaborative and adaptive leadership style; how Brady plans on building upon the strong culture already present at One Bills Drive; and how a passionate speech from Brady when he was a low-level assistant with the New Orleans Saints launched Brady’s coaching career.

• Buffalo Bills coach Joe Brady looks for teachers as he builds staff – Buffalo News (subscription required)
• Joe Brady leads Buffalo Bills with collaborative, adaptive coaching strategy – WGRZ
• Brady knows he’s inheriting a strong-cultured Bills team as new head coach – WGR 550
• How a 2018 speech at LSU launched Joe Brady’s career and created the Bills’ new coaching partnership – newyorkupstate.com
• Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady discusses latest updates in his coaching staff – BuffaloBills.com
• With Joe Brady calling plays, here’s how OC Pete Carmichael fits with the Bills – Buffalo News (subscription required)

What changes can we expect under new DC Jim Leonhard?​

Recapping everything new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard shared during his introductory press conference, including his vision for Buffalo’s defense and why he’s prioritizing turning the Bills into an “attacking defense.”

• What we learned from Jim Leonhard and the Bills’ new coordinators – The Athletic (subscription required)
• Leonhard wants to attack with versatile players who can do a lot of things – WGR 550
• How the Bills can be ‘an attacking defense’ under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard – BuffaloBills.com
• What Jim Leonhard plans to change in the Bills defense in 2026 – Democrat & Chronicle
• Bills Mailbag: How many changes should be expected with new defensive scheme? – Buffalo News (subscription required)

Even more Bills news​

Examining why new offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael is excited about directing Josh Allen and Buffalo’s offense. Plus, president of football operations/general manager Brandon Beane responds to criticism following a turbulent start to Buffalo’s offseason; wide receiver Khalil Shakir has a connection to today’s big Puppy Bowl; and more!

• Why Pete Carmichael jumped at the chance to join the Bills and Joe Brady – Democrat & Chronicle
• Bills GM blasts critics amid turbulent offseason – ESPN.com
• Five things to know about the 2026 Buffalo Bills roster going into the offseason – BuffaloBills.com
• James Cook wins the 2025 Jim Brown award – BuffaloBills.com
• Bills WR Khalil Shakir’s connection to heartwarming Puppy Bowl story – ESPN.com Buffalo Bills blog
• Former Bills DC Leslie Frazier chasing third Super Bowl ring as Seahawks assistant head coach – Buffalo News (subscription required)
• Stefon Diggs says he wanted to finish his career with the Bills – so why didn’t it happen? – Buffalo News (subscription required)

Buffalo Bills articles recently featured on Buffalo Rumblings​

• Jim Leonhard wants a ball-hungry, attacking defense for the Bills – Buffalo Rumblings
• Which Super Bowl player would help the Bills the most? – Buffalo Rumblings
• Injury history could make Joey Bosa a tough sell with the Bills in 2026 – Buffalo Rumblings
• Pete Carmichael excited to work with Joe Brady again – Buffalo Rumblings
• Did Josh Allen prevent Drake Maye from winning 2025 NFL MVP? – Buffalo Rumblings
• Buffalo Bills who had biggest impact on 2025 season – Buffalo Rumblings

Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/bu...ing-collaborative-teachers-for-buffalos-staff