Stephen A. Smith names the top priorities for new Bills coach Joe Brady: “They can’t dip”

Of all the NFL coaching changes in this cycle, Sean McDermott’s departure from the Buffalo Bills may have been the most surprising.

After nine years in charge the Bills parted company with McDermott and have announced former offensive coordinator Joe Brady as his successor. The pressure will be on Brady, who has no previous experience as a head coach, to lead the Bills to a first NFL championship.

Brady’s appointment was the big topic of conversation on ESPN’s First Take on Tuesday morning, with Stephen A. Smith passing comment on the new Bills head coach.

Smith was asked whether believes that it’s now a case of “Super Bowl or bust” in 2026 for the Bills. The legendary analyst agreed that Brady takes over a talented team in Buffalo but denied that it’s all about the 2026 season for the Bills.

Smith said: “It’s not like it has to happen next year. Sean McDermott had eight or nine years, you can’t be that way with Joe Brady in year one. You have to improve the offensive line, you have to improve your wide receiver camp. There’s no doubt about that.”

“They were one of the lead offenses in the game, so that can’t dissipate. You’ve gotta improve the defense and you’re $12 million over the cap. You’ve gotta figure something out to do defensively.”

What next for the Buffalo Bills?

There is work to do in the offseason to ensure that this Bills team can take a step forward in 2026. Having been appointed from within, Brady already has a close working relationship with quarterback Josh Allen and knows the team’s playbook intimately.

If the Bills can improve the defense while maintaining an impressive offense, there’s no reason why they can’t compete for a Super Bowl in the years to come.

Smith explained: “They can’t dip, you do definitely want them going for it. But it’s not like, ‘Oh my God, if you don’t get it done next year then Joe Brady wasn’t the one,’ I think that’s a bit extreme."

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