INDIANAPOLIS: On Monday afternoon, Bills head coach Sean McDermott took a break from his hectic Combine schedule to speak with members of the media. This year, the head coach’s schedule in Indianapolis is more full because he was appointed to the NFL Competition Committee. According to Buffalo’s HC, he has been in meetings with the committee for the past two days for roughly twelve hours.
In addition to much more, McDermott gave updates on player health, the roles of offensive and defensive coordinators, and why he values the combine. The most important details from his press conference are listed below.
Why Bobby Babich was the right fit for DC
McDermott handled the defensive play calling responsibilities last season, so the Bills opted to add a defensive coordinator in advance of the 2024 campaign.
At the end of January, Buffalo promoted their linebackers coach Bobby Babich to the DC position after making the internal hire. Babich has held several roles while on the coaching staff since 2017. McDermott claimed that watching Babich coach for a number of seasons, rather than just one interview, was what ultimately won him over.
McDermott said, “I’ve had the opportunity to be around Bobby for a number of years.” “And that interview wasn’t conducted in a single sitting; it happened over several years. Bobby has always been a young coach with a lot of energy; he comes from a family of coaches. Bobby’s inquisitiveness about the game has always impressed me, both offensively and defensively, of course.
“Thereafter, he has a vision for the defense that encompasses both the present and the future.”
Not to mention, his vision and talent for developing players are highly regarded; McDermott hopes that carries over to his new position. During his tenure as Buffalo’s linebackers coach in 2022–2023 and safeties coach in 2018–2021, Babich did a fantastic job of motivating players to give their best effort.
Babich played a key role in the development of Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde into one of the NFL’s top safety tandems. Together, the two intercepted 22 passes while Babich was their position coach.
Last season, the DC also helped linebackers Tyrel Dodson and Terrel Bernard develop their game. Bernard had an extremely successful season in his first MLB season as a full-time starter. The linebacker made history by becoming just the fourth player since 1982 to finish a season with at least six sacks, three interceptions, and three fumble recoveries. Following Matt Milano’s injury, Dodson assumed a starting position and amassed 70 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
“It’s impressive that he’s had success developing players at multiple positions,” McDermott remarked. “At the beginning, Micah and Jordan were positioned for safety. He then switched to linebacker and, to mention a couple, did the same with Tyrel Dodson and Terrell Barnard. It’s impressive that a good coach can take players and help them grow; that’s what makes a good coach.”
Babich’s defensive mindset makes him an excellent choice for defensive coordinator, according to McDermott.
“Along the journey, Bobby has also demonstrated a broad understanding of defensive football and the connection between the front and back ends,” McDermott said. “His signature on this defense and his plans to expand it excite me. Naturally, I’ll be assisting him in doing that as well.
McDermott stated that they will discuss who will be calling the plays.
McDermott stated, “We’ll make that decision when we need to.” “We just take things one step at a time right now.”
Being able to think quickly is one of the most crucial skills for Babich to have if he gets the chance to become the play caller, according to McDermott.
McDermott clarified, “You can either have it or acquire a little bit of it.” “However, I believe Bobby has it, but there is still some uncertainty. It’s a personal projection of mine. However, I think it’s fantastic that Bobby can see the game in two dimensions.
“Two and three dimensions, as they are crucial to this.” The defensive line is the only level of defense that he hasn’t coached. He has coached two other levels. However, working with the linebacker position involves working off of stunts and games up front and in some ways, working with the defensive line with run fits. Therefore, I believe Bobby did a good job of that. Additionally, I’m looking forward to seeing him develop into this coordinator role.”
