Bills enter 2026 season with new leadership and defensive concerns
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 9:09 PM
Last updated Sep 9, 2026
The Buffalo Bills begin the 2026 season under new head coach Joe Brady following the departure of Sean McDermott. As the team prepares for its debut in a new stadium, quarterback Josh Allen enters the season leading an offense expected to maintain high output. Analysts project the team to reach the AFC wild-card round, though defensive improvement remains a focal point for the franchise. The secondary faces significant scrutiny as defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard transitions into his new role with the squad. Success for Buffalo likely hinges on Leonhard’s ability to stabilize the defensive unit amid potential early-season challenges. If the defense transforms successfully, projections suggest the team could emerge as a top contender in the league, though they currently face competition to reclaim the AFC East title.
- •Joe Brady serves as the new head coach for the 2026 Buffalo Bills.
- •Josh Allen remains the central figure for the Bills' offense.
- •Jim Leonhard debuts as the team's defensive coordinator.
- •Analysts identify the secondary as a significant area of concern for the defense.
- •ESPN projects the Bills to reach the playoffs in the AFC wild-card round.
- 9:09 PMYahoo Sports — Bills have to fix just 1 issue to get to the Super Bowl
"The Buffalo Bills have a job to do to get to the big game.
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