The Buffalo Bills are making headlines yet again, this time by adding a seasoned NFL veteran to their already robust coaching staff. On February 13, 2026, the organization announced the hiring of John Fox as their new senior assistant coach, marking another pivotal move in a busy offseason for the team. Fox, at 71, brings decades of gridiron acumen to Buffalo, hoping to bolster a staff that’s been meticulously assembled by first-year head coach Joe Brady.
Fox’s resume reads like a who’s who of NFL coaching. His journey began as an assistant in the league before ascending to head coaching roles with the Carolina Panthers (2002-2010), Denver Broncos (2011-2014), and Chicago Bears (2015-2017). He’s one of a select few to have led two separate franchises to the Super Bowl—taking the Panthers to their first-ever appearance in 2003 and guiding the Broncos to the big stage in 2013. That’s not a feat you see every day!
During his tenure in Carolina, Fox posted 73 wins—making him the franchise’s winningest coach until Ron Rivera edged past with 76. He led the Panthers to two NFC South titles and three playoff berths, cementing his legacy as a foundational figure in the team’s history. According to AP reporting, “Fox served 16 seasons as a head coach with the Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, and Chicago Bears. He reached the Super Bowl with Carolina in 2003 and with Denver in 2013.”
After his stint with the Panthers, Fox took the reins in Denver, where he maintained his reputation as a playoff-caliber leader. The Broncos under his stewardship were perennial contenders, culminating in that Super Bowl trip that, despite falling short of victory, showcased Fox’s knack for getting teams to perform on the grandest stage. He then moved to Chicago, where fortunes were less kind—his Bears teams struggled, posting a 14-34 record over three seasons. The organization parted ways with Fox at the end of 2017, closing a challenging chapter in his career.
Fox didn’t return to coaching until 2022, when he took on a senior defensive assistant role with the Indianapolis Colts. He held the same position with the Detroit Lions in 2023, demonstrating his willingness to adapt and contribute in new ways even after decades at the top. Now, he brings that wealth of experience to Buffalo, joining a staff that’s as diverse in background as it is ambitious in outlook.
What’s particularly intriguing about Fox’s arrival is the web of connections within the current Bills coaching tree. He previously worked alongside quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree and special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers during his time with the Bears. Additionally, he joins general manager Brandon Beane—a former Panthers executive—and head coach Joe Brady, who once served as the Panthers’ offensive coordinator. There’s a distinct Carolina flavor to this Buffalo staff, and Fox’s presence only deepens those ties.
Joe Brady, just 36 years old, was promoted to head coach in early 2026 after the dismissal of Sean McDermott, who, despite a 12-5 record in 2024, was let go following a playoff loss to the Broncos. McDermott’s nine-year run in Buffalo saw him compile a 98-50 regular season record and an 8-8 mark in the playoffs. Brady, a rising star in coaching circles, now faces the challenge of steering the Bills to new heights, and Fox’s experience should prove invaluable in that quest.
“The 71-year-old Fox will be the most experienced member of first-year head coach Joe Brady’s staff in Buffalo,” noted the Associated Press. That’s not hyperbole—Fox’s 16 seasons as an NFL head coach dwarf the resumes of most on the current staff, making him a crucial mentor for both coaches and players alike.
The Bills’ 2026 coaching staff is nothing short of extensive. Alongside Fox, Brady has assembled a group of 20 assistants, blending new hires with internal promotions and returning faces. Notable additions include Terrance Jamison as defensive line coach, John Egorugwu as inside linebackers coach, Bobby April III as outside linebackers coach, and Jay Valai as cornerbacks coach. Offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, and special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers round out the core leadership group.
Several coaches have been promoted within the Bills’ ranks. Rob Boras, for instance, enters his tenth season with Buffalo now as both the run game coordinator and tight ends coach. Under his guidance, the Bills’ tight ends have flourished, with Dalton Kincaid setting a franchise record for catches by a tight end in 2023 and rookie Jackson Hawes emerging as a key blocker in 2025. Joe Danna, who joined as safeties coach in 2023, is now the secondary coach, having helped orchestrate a defense that led the league in several key categories, including interceptions and passing yards allowed.
The 2025 season was one to remember for Buffalo’s defense. The unit finished with the NFL’s best pass defense, allowing just 156.9 passing yards per game, and the offense led the league in rushing with 159.6 yards per game. These achievements set a high bar for the incoming staff, but also provide a foundation upon which Fox and his colleagues can build.
Bo Hardegree, the newly appointed quarterbacks coach, brings NFL experience from stints with the Titans, Raiders, and Bears, among others. Drew Terrell, coming in as wide receivers coach, previously held similar roles with the Cardinals and Commanders. The staff also features returning talents like Mark Lubick, who has been with the Bills since 2017 and has helped keep the team in the NFL’s top ten for points and yards per game over the past decade.
So, what does Fox’s hiring mean for the Bills moving forward? While it’s too soon to predict results, the move signals a clear intent: Buffalo is doubling down on experience and proven leadership as it chases elusive postseason glory. Fox’s reputation as a steady hand and playoff architect should help guide this young, dynamic staff, especially as Brady navigates his first season at the helm.
The action in Buffalo is just heating up. With a blend of fresh faces and seasoned veterans, the Bills’ coaching staff is poised to tackle the challenges of the 2026 NFL season head-on. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Fox’s influence shapes the team’s fortunes in the months ahead.
As the Bills’ new era under Joe Brady officially begins, the addition of John Fox stands as a testament to the organization’s commitment to success—drawing on both innovation and tradition. The pieces are in place. Now, it’s time to see how the puzzle comes together on the field.