Buffalo's push to make their defensive coordinator the play-caller entering 2024 provides new pressure on Sean McDermott.
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott made it clear this week that there would be no confusion as to who will be calling plays this season on defense.
That distinction belongs to defensive coordinator Bobby Babich.
Kareem Elgazzar - USA TODAY Sports
Babich was a disciple of long-time coordinator Leslie Frazier who took the year off from coaching. The 40-year-old was an assistant defensive backs coach in his first season with McDermott in 2017 and was most recently the linebackers coach last season.
“What I like about Bobby is our experience together and the wisdom he has, both as a secondary coach and a linebacker coach,” McDermott told Ryan O’Halloran of the Buffalo News. “I just feel like he’s a growth-minded individual and coach, and that’s the right approach.”
Babich's versatility in coaching two different positions on the defense should bring plenty of popularity to the current group - even despite losing veterans such as Jordan Poyer or Micah Hyde in the offseason.
Buffalo hasn't finished a season with a defense lower than 15th-ranked in yards given up since McDermott's first season as head coach.
The Bills are looking for that success to continue even despite having a new play-caller at their disposal. It seems that Babich is more than up to the task.