Buffalo Bills Promote Bobby Babich to Defensive Coordinator
The Buffalo Bills have made a significant change to their coaching staff, promoting linebackers coach Bobby Babich to the position of defensive coordinator for the upcoming 2024 season. This marks the first time Babich will serve as a defensive coordinator in his NFL coaching career.
Babich, 40, has been with the Bills since head coach Sean McDermott’s arrival in 2017. He initially joined the team as the assistant defensive backs coach before being promoted to safeties coach in 2018. In 2022, Babich became the linebackers coach, a position he held until the end of the most recent season.
Babich’s connection with McDermott goes beyond their time in Buffalo. He began his NFL career with the Carolina Panthers in 2011 as an administrative assistant to the coaching staff, working under McDermott, who was the defensive coordinator at the time.
Prior to his promotion, Babich had received interest from other teams as a potential defensive coordinator. The New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, and Miami Dolphins all expressed interest in Babich for their vacant positions. However, the Bills were determined to retain him due to his significant contributions to the team.
According to McDermott, Babich is a skilled coach who has consistently developed players and improved the defense. McDermott believes that Babich’s ability to take what he has and make it better is a testament to his coaching prowess.
Throughout his coaching career in Buffalo, Babich has excelled at working with different positional groups. Under his tutelage, both the safeties and linebackers have thrived. Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, the Bills’ safety duo, had their best seasons while being coached by Babich. In 2022, middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds had a breakout season before leaving for the Chicago Bears in free agency. The following year, Babich helped Terrel Bernard and Tyrel Dodson make significant strides in their careers.
Babich’s career trajectory is reminiscent of McDermott’s own path in Philadelphia, where he ascended from assistant defensive backs coach to defensive coordinator. McDermott recognized Babich’s potential early on and has played a role in helping him reach his full coaching potential. McDermott has consistently promoted deserving coaches from within the organization, a trend he has continued with the hiring of Babich.
The question remains whether Babich will assume play-calling duties as the defensive coordinator. McDermott took on those responsibilities in 2023 while also serving as the head coach. General manager Brandon Beane expressed confidence in McDermott’s ability to handle both roles moving forward. However, Babich was considered for the defensive coordinator position last year and was potentially interviewing with teams whose head coaches have an offensive background, suggesting that he would have called the plays if hired.
Ultimately, the decision will be up to McDermott, who has the trust and confidence in Babich to run the defense effectively. McDermott understands the importance of delegating responsibilities and may choose to hand off play-calling duties to Babich at some point in the future.
The promotion of Bobby Babich to defensive coordinator represents a significant step forward for both the coach and the Buffalo Bills. With his track record of player development and his familiarity with McDermott’s defensive scheme, Babich is poised to make a positive impact on the team’s defense in the upcoming season and beyond.