The Buffalo Bills made headlines on February 13, 2026, by announcing a significant overhaul to their coaching staff, highlighted by the hiring of veteran NFL coach John Fox as senior assistant coach. The move places Fox, a 71-year-old with a storied NFL résumé, as the most experienced member of first-year head coach Joe Brady’s staff—a pairing that brings together decades of football wisdom and fresh, innovative energy as the Bills look to chart a new course in the AFC.
Fox’s arrival in Buffalo is more than just a headline-grabbing hire; it’s a reunion of sorts for several staff members. During his tenure as head coach of the Chicago Bears from 2015 to 2017, Fox worked alongside Bo Hardegree, now the Bills’ quarterbacks coach, and Jeff Rodgers, the new special teams coordinator. This shared history could provide a foundation of trust and familiarity as the new staff embarks on the 2026 campaign.
“John Fox is one of the most respected minds in football, and his experience is going to be invaluable to our organization,” said Joe Brady in a statement released by the team. Brady, just 36 years old, was promoted to head coach in January after the firing of Sean McDermott, who had led the team for nine seasons. Brady’s rapid ascent from offensive coordinator to head coach marks a new era for the Bills, and Fox’s presence is expected to be a stabilizing force as the franchise transitions into this next chapter.
Fox’s coaching journey is nothing short of legendary. He first rose to prominence as the head coach of the Carolina Panthers from 2002 to 2010, where he led the team to two NFC South titles, three playoff berths, and their first Super Bowl appearance in 2003. At the time of his departure, Fox was the winningest coach in Panthers history with 73 victories—a record later surpassed by Ron Rivera. He then guided the Denver Broncos from 2011 to 2014, steering them to the Super Bowl in 2013. Fox’s ability to lead two different teams to the NFL’s biggest stage is a rare feat, shared by only a select group of coaches in league history.
Following his time in Denver, Fox took over as head coach of the Chicago Bears from 2015 to 2017. Although his tenure in Chicago was challenging—culminating in a 14-34 record and his eventual dismissal—Fox’s impact on the coaching staff and players was widely acknowledged. After a brief hiatus from coaching, he returned to the NFL as a senior defensive assistant for the Indianapolis Colts in 2022 and held the same role with the Detroit Lions in 2023. These recent stops have kept Fox’s finger on the pulse of the modern NFL, ensuring that his vast experience remains relevant to today’s game.
Fox’s addition is part of a comprehensive reshaping of the Bills’ coaching staff under Brady’s leadership. Alongside Fox, the Bills announced the hiring of eight other assistants: Terrance Jamison (defensive line), John Egorugwu (inside linebackers), Bobby April III (outside linebackers), Jay Valai (cornerbacks), Craig Robertson (defensive quality control), Pat Meyer (offensive line), Bo Hardegree (quarterbacks), and Drew Terrell (wide receivers). Each brings a unique background, with several boasting both NFL and collegiate experience, further diversifying the staff’s collective expertise.
The Bills also promoted several coaches from within. Rob Boras, entering his 10th season in Buffalo, was elevated to run game coordinator and tight ends coach. Boras has overseen record-setting performances from tight ends like Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid, and his expanded role reflects the organization’s confidence in his offensive acumen. Joe Danna, who joined the Bills in 2023, was promoted to secondary coach after helping guide a defense that finished as the NFL’s best pass defense in 2025, allowing just 156.9 passing yards per game. D.J. Mangas, Jason Rebrovich, Kyle Shurmur, and Alvin Vaughn also received promotions, underscoring the team’s commitment to continuity and internal development.
Returning to the staff are familiar faces such as Austin Gund (assistant offensive line), Mark Lubick (pass game specialist/game management), Kelly Skipper (running backs), Turner West (assistant special teams), and Milli Wilson (offensive assistant/fellowship coach). Their continued presence ensures that the Bills retain a core of coaches who have contributed to recent successes, including a league-leading rushing attack in 2025 and a dynamic special teams unit.
Brady’s new staff is rounded out by several notable hires from both the NFL and college ranks. Terrance Jamison arrives from Illinois, where he served as co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach. John Egorugwu returns to Buffalo after a stint with the New York Giants, while Bobby April III brings recent experience as Stanford’s defensive coordinator. Jay Valai, fresh off a successful run at Oklahoma, will coach the Bills’ cornerbacks, and Craig Robertson, a former NFL linebacker, transitions into coaching as defensive quality control coach.
“I’m excited about the group we’ve assembled,” Brady remarked during his introductory press conference. “There’s a balance of experience and fresh ideas, and I believe that’s exactly what we need as we move forward.” The Bills’ front office has also maintained its Carolina connection, with general manager Brandon Beane—a former Panthers executive—helping to facilitate the staff overhaul. Brady himself previously served as the Panthers’ offensive coordinator, and his predecessor, Sean McDermott, was a former Panthers defensive coordinator. The pipeline between Buffalo and Carolina continues to shape the Bills’ identity, both on the field and in the coaching room.
The departure of Sean McDermott, who posted a 98-50 regular season record and an 8-8 playoff mark over nine years, was met with mixed reactions. Despite leading the Bills to a 12-5 record in the 2024 season, McDermott was dismissed following a playoff loss to the Denver Broncos in January 2026. His legacy in Buffalo is secure, but the organization’s decision to pivot underlines the urgency to break through in the postseason and contend for a Super Bowl.
As the Bills prepare for the 2026 NFL season, the spotlight will be on how this revamped coaching staff, spearheaded by the seasoned John Fox and the ambitious Joe Brady, can translate their collective experience into on-field success. With twenty assistants now in place and a roster loaded with talent, Buffalo’s window for championship contention remains wide open. The coming months will reveal whether this blend of old-school grit and new-school innovation can deliver the breakthrough that Bills fans have long awaited.
For now, the Bills’ coaching staff stands as one of the most intriguing in the league—an ensemble of proven leaders and rising stars, all united by the goal of bringing a Lombardi Trophy to Western New York. The journey begins anew, and the football world will be watching closely.