ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills are looking ahead to the offseason with a new coaching staff, including veteran Pete Carmichael Jr. as the offensive coordinator.
“I’m excited to be here,” Carmichael said.
Carmichael expressed enthusiasm about working with new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. “I was like, yeah, we got to get this guy. I was fired up,” he said.
Carmichael also shared his excitement about working with quarterback Josh Allen. “I’m fired up to have an opportunity to work with Josh,” he said.
He is also eager to reunite with head coach Joe Brady, the two worked together in New Orleans. “I’ve waited about seven years to have an opportunity to get back with coaching with Joe Brady. So I’m fired up about that,” Carmichael said.
Fired. Up.
Joe Brady praised Carmichael’s communication skills and experience. “Pete is an incredible communicator who has seen a lot of great QB play,” Brady said.
Carmichael previously worked with the New Orleans Saints and soon-to-be Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees. “All the years I was in New Orleans when Drew Brees was there, I was a good coach. And so, yeah, I’m pretty excited about that,” Carmichael joked.
Brady will still call offensive plays, but that doesn’t mean Carmichael’s role is diminished any. When Brady and Carmichael worked together under Sean Payton, Carmichael kept the Saints offense going, even if not as a playcaller. “The offensive staff can move forward when I’m not in the room, and I know Pete can do that because I’ve sat there and seen how the train keeps moving even when Coach Payton wasn’t in there,” Brady said.
Carmichael’s experience, excitement, and support are key values he brings to the Bills.