In recent seasons, people following head coach Sean McDermott had grown accustomed to his podium demeanor. Truthfully, that evolved over time with him becoming far more relaxed as the seasons piled up. Yet still, McDermott kept specific things close to the vest, while talking at length about other aspects of the team, the roster, and football 101 in general.
No one was entirely certain how Joe Brady would approach those same moments once he was named the new head coach. We’d seen him as generous with
his time for reporters in the role as offensive coordinator, but that was a more dialed-in set of responsibilities he discussed.
If Brady’s first media availability ahead of Week 1 at the Houston Texans is any indication, prepare yourself for a large serving of tight-lipped nothing. Brady was almost masterful in his ability to avoid answering almost every meaningful question reporters lobbed his way, right down to how he settled in on six captains.
Brady was effusive in his praise for defensive back Sam Franklin Jr., tight end Dawson Knox, and edge rusher Bradley Chubb. The locker room voted on the team’s captains this season, and it was clear to Brady why each and every guy made the cut.
When discussing how things may look against the Texans based on prior matchups, Brady was quick to say that all he cares about is finding a way to win the game, by one point if needed, and in whatever way necessary. It’s clear that Brady won’t covet style points as a rookie head coach.
His podium approach is a move expected out of head coaches, done in an effort to avoid giving opponents a leg up, or even just bulletin-board material. Yet Brady seemed poised beyond his years given his ability to deflect away from detail for the better part of 20 minutes in the hot seat.
Take, for instance, Brady’s open and the decision to avoid discussing injuries on any level. Instead, Brady chose to lean on the injury report being shared later in the day. McDermott would often begin his pressers with injury updates, while also stating that getting into specifics about them was beyond his scope of knowledge. As for Brady? No comment, essentially.
Maybe that changes in time. Or perhaps it’s his go-to, thanks to his roots. An exchange I had with Kyle Trimble (@BangedUp Bills) on social media revealed the following after I mentioned that it appeared as though Brady talked “in circles at the podium today” — where the esteemed Dr. Trimble noted:
“I have someone I speak with frequently about injuries mention that this was similar to what Sean Payton does.”
At that point it made complete sense. I suppose it’s smart to going in expecting less and enjoying when Brady shares more. That said, we know how ruthless Payton can be as a head coach. With Brady having spent years working alongside Payton, it’s easy to see how his podium demeanor may have been shaped by him.
He may never show it, but it’s reasonable to expect that Brady is nervous ahead of Week 1, and he’s likely very intentional in making sure secrets stay hidden. Brady was asked about the emotions entering this season, this week, and even how he’s taken things from last season’s playoff exit. For Brady, it’s a new script, a new team, and a new novel whose past is firmly in the rearview mirror.
Chapter one begins Sunday in Houston.
To hear the latest from Joe Brady, check out his full press conference embedded below:
