The Buffalo Bills' decision to hire Joe Brady as their new head coach has sparked intriguing discussions about the team's strategy and the broader NFL landscape. This move, made in January, raises questions about the team's internal promotion policies and the potential pitfalls of external hires. The author delves into the concept of 'Internal Promotion Misses' (IPMs), where teams fail to promote from within, often leading to less-than-ideal outcomes. The article explores the trend of hiring external coordinators as head coaches, citing examples like Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay, who have since become successful head coaches themselves. However, the author emphasizes that internal promotion is not a guaranteed path to success, as evidenced by recent flops like Jim Tomsula and Antonio Pierce. The piece highlights the importance of thorough evaluation and the potential risks of rushing the hiring process. The Buffalo Bills' hire of Brady, with his prior experience within the organization, is seen as a calculated move to avoid an IPM, especially considering the team's recent success with Brady as an offensive coordinator. The author concludes by suggesting that the Bills' decision reflects a strategic approach to coaching, aiming to build a sustainable and successful franchise.
