By Moses Joshua 
An unexpected shakeup elsewhere in the league may have just placed a rising offensive mind squarely in Detroit’s sights.
A Sudden Opening Changes the Landscape
The Detroit Lions’ search for their next offensive coordinator may have just taken a dramatic turn. With reports indicating the Buffalo Bills have moved on from head coach Sean McDermott, ripple effects are being felt throughout the league — and especially within Buffalo’s offensive staff.
One name now drawing attention is Joe Brady.
For a Lions team intent on keeping its offense among the NFL’s elite in 2026 and beyond, Brady’s situation is suddenly worth monitoring closely. Coaching changes at the top often lead to staff turnover, and if Buffalo opts for a full reset, Detroit could find itself with a rare opportunity to pursue a proven play-caller entering his prime.
How Joe Brady Sparked Buffalo’s Offensive Revival
Brady’s ascent in Buffalo has been swift and impactful. He initially joined the Bills on February 4, 2022, as quarterbacks coach, where his primary responsibility was refining Josh Allen’s game. That foundation became critical when Buffalo hit turbulence during the 2023 season.
After a sluggish 5–5 start, the Bills fired offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey and elevated Brady to interim OC on November 14, 2023. The shift was immediate and unmistakable.
Under Brady, Buffalo pivoted away from a one-dimensional, pass-heavy attack and leaned into balance. The run game became a featured component, James Cook and Ty Johnson saw expanded roles, and Allen’s mobility was used with greater intention. The payoff was massive: Buffalo surged late, winning six of its final seven games to finish 11–6 and secure a fourth consecutive AFC East title.
“Everybody Eats” and a Blueprint Detroit Knows Well
Brady’s success earned him the full-time offensive coordinator role, and in 2024 he elevated the unit even further. His “Everybody Eats” philosophy emphasized distribution, unpredictability, and maximizing personnel strengths.
The results were eye-opening. A league-record 13 different offensive players caught touchdown passes, Buffalo finished 13–4, reached the AFC Championship Game, and Brady emerged as a finalist for the AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year Award.
That approach should sound familiar in Detroit.
The Lions’ offense thrives on balance, versatility, and trust in its playmakers. Brady’s ability to adapt schemes to personnel — rather than forcing players into rigid roles — aligns neatly with how Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes have built the roster.
Why Brady Fits Detroit’s Vision
Detroit is searching for an offensive coordinator who can do more than call plays. The Lions need someone who can elevate Jared Goff, continue unlocking Jameson Williams’ ceiling, keep Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta heavily involved, and fully leverage Jahmyr Gibbs’ explosiveness.
Brady checks those boxes.
His recent résumé shows a coach who develops quarterbacks, values balance, and evolves when defenses adjust. Perhaps most importantly, his offenses are difficult to predict — a trait that becomes essential in January football.
Nothing is official, and Buffalo’s next steps will dictate how available Brady truly becomes. But if his future in Buffalo is uncertain, Detroit would be wise to act quickly.
Opportunities to land a coordinator with proven playoff success, creative credibility, and momentum don’t come around often. If Joe Brady hits the market, the Lions may find themselves in the perfect position to make a bold, franchise-shaping move.