**Packers Hire Ex-Bills DC Bobby Babich to Strengthen Defensive Staff**
Key Takeaways:
- The Green Bay Packers have hired Bobby Babich as their defensive pass game coordinator and secondary coach.
- Babich spent over a decade with the Buffalo Bills, most recently serving as their defensive coordinator.
- This move is part of an ongoing overhaul of the Packers’ defensive coaching staff under new leadership.
Green Bay, WI — The Green Bay Packers are trending after hiring Bobby Babich, former Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator, as their new defensive passing game coordinator and secondary coach, according to a report by NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero on June 11, 2024. The move comes amid a reshuffling of Green Bay’s defensive coaching staff under new coordinator Jonathan Gannon.
Babich Joins Packers After Years with Buffalo Bills
Bobby Babich, 42, arrives in Green Bay after a 7-year stretch with the Buffalo Bills, where he most recently served as defensive coordinator. During his tenure, Babich worked in multiple defensive roles including assistant defensive backs coach (2017), safeties coach (2018–2021), linebackers coach (2022–2023), and eventually as defensive coordinator in the 2024 season. In that inaugural year as DC, the Bills ranked third in takeaways and 11th in points allowed, reinforcing Babich’s profile as a rising coaching talent.
Babich replaces Derrick Ansley, who had served in a similar role for the Packers over the last two seasons. The team is also working to replace defensive backs coach Ryan Downard, who is expected to join Jeff Hafley in Miami with the Dolphins. Babich’s new title in Green Bay suggests he will play dual roles, continuing his work with secondaries while influencing the pass defense scheme more directly.
Coaching Experience Paving the Way to Prominence
Babich’s NFL journey began in 2011 with the Carolina Panthers as a defensive assistant and quickly progressed to secondary coaching assignments with the Cleveland Browns. Before his NFL career, he served as the defensive backs coach at Eastern Illinois (2007–2010) and FIU (2016), where he also held the title of pass game coordinator. His coaching roots trace back to his father, Bob Babich, who worked as a defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Matt LaFleur, the Packers’ head coach, was reportedly interested in hiring Babich earlier in 2024 for the defensive coordinator position. That role eventually went to former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon, but the franchise remained high on Babich, courting him once he became available. Babich’s versatility — having worked closely with both linebackers and defensive backs — makes him a well-rounded addition to a staff in transition.
Impact on Packers Defense in 2024 and Beyond
The Packers’ 2023 defense faced inconsistency, particularly in pass coverage and takeaways. With Babich now in the fold, Green Bay hopes to bolster its secondary performance and refine a playmaking identity on defense. Given the Bills’ success in generating turnovers under Babich’s leadership, the Packers are optimistic that this hire will translate into improved pass defense efficiency in 2024.
Analysts believe the addition of Babich gives the Packers one of the youngest and most experienced defensive coaching duos in the NFL, with Gannon and Babich combining for over two decades of pro-level coaching. The organizational focus is clearly on revitalizing a unit that underperformed in pivotal moments last season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Bobby Babich trending?
A: Babich is trending because the Green Bay Packers have hired him as their defensive pass game coordinator, following his recent role as the Buffalo Bills’ defensive coordinator.
Q: What happens next?
A: Babich will join the Packers coaching staff for summer installations and training camp, contributing to scheme development ahead of the 2024 NFL season.
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