Breaking News: Green Bay Packers confirms possible Defensive Coordinator coach after recent interview
Green Bay Packers have initiated the search for their next defensive coordinator following the dismissal of Joe Barry, who held the position from 2021 to 2023. Barry’s termination came after another disappointing season for the defense, despite finishing ninth in points allowed. Persistent issues, particularly in run defense, persisted from 2021 to the end of 2023, prompting the need for a change.
Recent reports indicate that Brandon Staley, the former head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers and previously a defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams in 2020, is set to interview for the Packers’ defensive coordinator role. Additionally, there is strong interest in Chris Harris, the Tennessee Titans’ defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator, who was a finalist for the Packers’ job in 2021 and has also interviewed for the Chicago Bears’ defensive coordinator position.
As the day progresses, more names are surfacing on Green Bay’s list of preferred candidates. Among them is a young linebackers coach from the Buffalo Bills, for whom the Packers sought permission to conduct an interview.
The #Packers requested permission to interview #Bills LB coach Bobby Babich for their defensive coordinator job, source says. Babich, who recently interviewed with the #Giants for the same role, will meet with Green Bay.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 26, 2024
The Green Bay Packers Are Set to Interview Bobby Babich for Their Defensive Coordinator Position
As reported by Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Green Bay Packers have formally requested and been granted permission to interview Bobby Babich, the current linebacker coach for the Buffalo Bills.
According to Mike Garafolo, Bobby Babich, the Buffalo Bills’ linebacker coach, has not only been sought after by the Green Bay Packers but has also interviewed for the defensive coordinator position with the New York Giants.
Who Is Bobby Babich and Why Would He Be a Good Fit for the Green Bay Packers?
According to information from the Bills’ website, Bobby Babich became a part of the Buffalo Bills in 2017, initially serving as the team’s assistant defensive backs coach. He was later promoted to safeties coach in 2018. Ahead of the 2022 season, Babich assumed the role of the team’s linebackers coach. During the previous season, he played a crucial role in supporting linebacker Matt Milano, who earned recognition as a 2022 first-team All-Pro.
Bobby Babich’s coaching track record with the Buffalo Bills reflects significant success, particularly in the 2023 NFL season. The Bills’ defense, under his coaching influence, achieved impressive rankings, securing the fourth position in scoring defense by allowing a mere 18.4 points per game. Additionally, they performed well in yards allowed per game (ninth) and passing yards allowed per game (seventh). Although their run defense was ranked 15th, the overall defensive performance showcased notable strengths.
Considering the Green Bay Packers’ recent struggles on the defensive front, these rankings could signify substantial improvements under Babich’s potential leadership. Despite his lack of coordinator experience, Babich is gaining recognition as a promising and sought-after coach, evident from his interviews for defensive coordinator positions with multiple teams.
The fact that the Bills required other teams to seek permission before hiring Babich underscores the respect and value he holds within the coaching community. Having worked closely with Bills head coach Sean McDermott and defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, Babich is likely to bring a coaching philosophy aligned with theirs. This could involve a base four-man rush complemented by diverse blitz packages. Such an approach would mark a departure from the Packers’ traditional 3-4 defense under Dom Capers but could potentially bring the change needed for defensive improvement.