The Buffalo Bills are preparing for a defensive overhaul following the departure of coordinator Bobby Babich, who has accepted a new role with the Green Bay Packers, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The move comes as Buffalo transitions under first-year head coach Joe Brady.
Babich will serve as Green Bay’s defensive passing game coordinator and secondary coach, working under defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon and head coach Matt LaFleur. Gannon previously led the Arizona Cardinals before joining the Packers’ staff this offseason.
A long-tenured member of Buffalo’s organization, Babich arrived in 2017 and rose through multiple roles, including safeties coach, linebackers coach, and eventually defensive coordinator. Over two seasons calling the defense, his units consistently limited scoring. The Bills allowed 365 total points in 2025, ranking 12th leaguewide, after finishing tied for 11th in points allowed in 2024. Pass defense stood out as a hallmark, surrendering an NFL-low 156.9 passing yards per game last season.
Still, there were areas to improve. Buffalo struggled against the run, yielding the fifth-most rushing yards per game, and the pass rush generated 36 sacks, tied for 20th in the league.
With Brady set to continue as the offensive play-caller in 2026, Buffalo will now turn its focus to finding a new defensive leader. One early candidate drawing interest is Jim Leonhard, currently the defensive passing game coordinator and assistant head coach with the Denver Broncos, who has been identified as a leading option for the role.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].