The Buffalo Bills are not wasting time in making some major decisions on the coaching staff under their new head coach, Joe Brady. After the Bills promoted Brady, who had been the team’s offensive coordinator for the last few seasons, many expected there wouldn’t be many fresh faces on the staff. But since taking over as the new HC, Brady had emphasized that his approach would prioritize merit over familiarity in hiring his staff. Yet, the Bills’ latest move suggests the team isn’t entirely closing the door on a familiar face.

“The #Bills are hiring Bobby April III as their new OLBs coach, source said. He was the DC at Stanford for the last 3 years, and prior to that, he worked with Jim Leonhard at Wisconsin. April was with the Bills 10 years ago as well,” NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported via X on February 1.

Bobby April III’s coaching career began in 2004, but he only worked in the NFL from 2011 to 2016. His first NFL coaching stint came as a quality control assistant for the Philadelphia Eagles‘ defense in 2011. Then, after two seasons in Philly, he moved on with the New York Jets, starting as a quality control assistant in 2013 before being promoted to become the linebackers coach in 2014.

April had also worked with the Bills as their linebackers in 2015 and 2016. During those years, the Bills’ defense improved noticeably in run defense and takeaways, even while finishing 8-8 both seasons. After leaving Buffalo, April then headed back to coaching in the college ranks.

Interestingly, Minnesota just announced him as their new Rush Ends coach last month, but it wasn’t too long before Buffalo came calling. Before Minnesota hired him, April served as the defensive coordinator for Stanford for the past three seasons.

At Stanford, April helped the Cardinal’s defense hold opponents under 30 points per game in 2025, and the unit was ranked 28th nationally in rush defense (119.3 yards per game). Before working at Stanford, April served as the outside linebackers coach and run game coordinator at Wisconsin (2018–22) alongside Jim Leonhard, who was the team’s defensive coordinator.

He played a big role in Wisconsin’s elite run defenses that saw three straight top-five national rankings in total defense from 2019 to 2021. In his first year as Wisconsin’s run game coordinator, the Badgers also led the Big Ten and ranked fifth nationally against the run (96.1 yards per game). The Badgers even topped the country in 2021, allowing a school-record 64.8 rushing yards per game and just 2.12 yards per carry under April’s guidance.

Now in Buffalo, April reunites with Jim Leonhard, whom the Bills recently hired as their new DC. Leonhard spent the last two seasons with the Denver Broncos as defensive pass game coordinator and assistant head coach. With Leonhard on the staff in 2025, the Broncos’ defense shattered franchise records with 68 sacks and ranked second overall (278.2 yards per game). 

Now, with April and Leonhard coaching the Bills’ defensive players, there is expected to be a more aggressive and disruptive style – exactly what Joe Brady seems to want. Meanwhile, on the offensive side, Brady has already locked in his coordinator.  

The Bills announce the hiring of a new OC for Joe Brady’s staff

During his introductory press conference in Buffalo, Joe Brady laid out his vision for the coaching staff, stressing the need for an offensive coordinator who excels at teaching the scheme. Then, less than a week later, the Bills named Pete Carmichael as their next OC and the first official hire in Brady’s staff.

In 2000, Pete Carmichael began his NFL coaching career, and since then, he has worked for five different teams. Most recently, he served as senior offensive assistant for the Denver Broncos in 2024 and 2025, under head coach Sean Payton. Before Denver, Carmichael was with the New Orleans Saints from 2006 to 2023, where he again worked with Payton. Carmichael started as quarterbacks coach in New Orleans, then he was given the passing game coordinator duties, and the offensive coordinator role over the years.

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Pete Carmichael’s coaching career saw tremendous success in New Orleans, particularly in the 2009 season when the Saints topped the league in scoring (31.9 points per game) and passing yards (403.8 per game) en route to a Super Bowl victory. Joe Brady and Carmichael even overlapped on the Saints’ coaching staff for two seasons.

“Pete is a guy I’ve always looked up to because he doesn’t get a lot of credit for the success they had in New Orleans.” Joe Brady said. “Pete was an integral piece. I can trust that when I’m not in there that the room is going to keep moving along. He’s as brilliant as they come, and I’m so excited I get to work with him again.”

Moreover, Joe Brady clearly trusts that Pete Carmichael grasps his offensive vision. With more than two decades of NFL experience, Carmichael is battle-tested and poised to help Brady achieve his vision of elevating Buffalo’s offense with QB Josh Allen next season.