Peter Edwards Carmichael Jr., widely known as Pete Carmichael, is a seasoned American football coach whose offensive expertise has shaped multiple NFL offenses across nearly three decades. From his long tenure with the New Orleans Saints to coaching roles with the Denver Broncos and his recent appointment with the Buffalo Bills, Carmichael’s journey is one of consistency, resilience, and tactical know-how.
Early Life & Coaching Beginnings
Born on October 6, 1971, in Framingham, Massachusetts, Carmichael grew up around football, later earning his degree from Boston College. His coaching career began in the college ranks as an assistant offensive line coach at the University of New Hampshire in 1994 before moving on to quarterback coaching roles at Louisiana Tech and other collegiate programs.
Carmichael entered the NFL in 2000 with the Cleveland Browns, marking the start of a professional coaching journey that would span more than 25 seasons.
New Orleans Saints: Where He Made His Mark
Pete Carmichael’s most prominent NFL chapter came with the New Orleans Saints. Joining the franchise in 2006, he quickly established himself as a core offensive voice under head coach Sean Payton.
In 2009, Carmichael was promoted to Offensive Coordinator, a role he would hold for over 15 seasons. During this era, the Saints’ offense regularly ranked among the league’s best, helping lead the team to Super Bowl XLIV victory.
However, following the departures of Drew Brees and Sean Payton and subsequent offensive struggles, Carmichael and the Saints parted ways after the 2023 season, ending an 18-year tenure with the organization.
Denver Broncos: Reuniting With Sean Payton
After leaving New Orleans, Carmichael reunited with Sean Payton in 2024 when he joined the Denver Broncos as Senior Offensive Assistant. This role reunited him with familiar faces and allowed him to continue contributing to NFL offensive strategy, even if not as the primary play-caller.
At the Broncos, his wealth of experience was seen as a valuable asset to Sean Payton’s coaching staff during the 2024-25 seasons.
Buffalo Bills: New Offensive Chapter
In a notable career move in January 2026, the Buffalo Bills officially named Pete Carmichael as their Offensive Coordinator under newly appointed head coach Joe Brady. This appointment marks a major step — bringing Carmichael into a leadership role with a powerful AFC contender.
This opportunity highlights both his reputation in the league and his offensive acumen developed over years in some of the league’s most successful offenses.
Net Worth & Salary Insights
Estimated Net Worth
Pete Carmichael’s net worth is commonly estimated in the millions thanks to his long NFL career:
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Reports estimate his net worth at around $5–6 million based on earnings from coaching contracts and longevity in the league.
Salary Overview
While exact contract figures aren’t publicly disclosed, long-time NFL coordinators and senior assistants typically earn high six-figure to low seven-figure salaries annually. Carmichael’s compensation during his time with the Saints and Broncos likely reflected his experience, with industry estimates placing coordinator salaries in the multiple-hundred-thousand dollar range or higher.
Legacy & Influence
Pete Carmichael’s influence goes beyond numbers. He’s known throughout the NFL coaching community for:
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Developing prolific offenses.
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Sustaining long-term collaboration with elite head coaches like Sean Payton.
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Mentoring quarterbacks and offensive personnel across systems.
Now in Buffalo, his expertise will be crucial as the Bills aim to maintain offensive consistency and challenge for AFC supremacy.
Conclusion:
From his early days coaching college football to his influential roles with the Saints, Broncos, and now the Bills, Pete Carmichael remains a respected offensive strategist in the NFL. His journey reflects not only career longevity but also adaptability — qualities that have continually made him a valuable asset across multiple teams and offensive systems.
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