Bobby Babich Promoted to Bills DC on Sean McDermott's Staff; Was LBs Coach

After Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott handled defensive coordinator duties during the 2023 season, the team has officially found someone to fill the position.

The Bills announced on Tuesday that linebackers coach Bobby Babich has been promoted to defensive coordinator.

Babich has been a member of the Bills organization since 2017, serving as an assistant defensive backs coach and safeties coach before becoming linebackers coach in 2022 after his father, Bob, retired following his longtime career as an NFL assistant. During his tenure, he had a hand in the development of some of Buffalo's best defensive players.

Safeties Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde both earned All-Pro honors in 2021 under Babich's direction after the team led the league in passing defense. Linebacker Matt Milano was next to earn an All-Pro selection the following season in Babich's first year coaching the position.

When Milano suffered a season-ending leg injury in Week 5 of the 2023 season, Babich played a significant role in developing linebackers Terrel Bernard and Tyrel Dodson to make up for his production. Bernard enjoyed a breakout season with a team-high 143 total tackles after totaling just 22 as a rookie in 2022.

Former Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier departed the organization prior to the 2023 season, and McDermott opted not to fill the position. Under McDermott's direction, Buffalo ranked ninth in the league with 307.2 yards allowed per game.

The Bills will be hoping for a better showing under Babich next season as they try to chase an elusive championship.