The Green Bay Packers are starting the process of selecting their next defensive coordinator. Joe Barry, who held that position from 2021 to 2023, was fired earlier this week following another dismal season for the defense. While the defense ranked tenth in points allowed, it remained one of the NFL’s weakest run defenses. Mistakes created in 2021 were not corrected by the end of 2023. As a result, it was determined that a modification was necessary.
Earlier on Friday, it was reported that Brandon Staley, the former head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, was scheduled to interview for the Packers’ defensive coordinator position. Staley previously served as defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.
Also on Friday, ESPN’s Dan Graziano claimed that the franchise is particularly interested in Tennessee Titans defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator Chris Harris, who almost got the Packers position in 2021. Harris has also interviewed for the defensive coordinator position with the Chicago Bears.
However, as the day progresses, more names appear on Green Bay’s list of desirable prospects. One of them is a young linebackers coach with the Buffalo Bills, and the Packers wanted permission to interview him.
THE GREEN BAY PACKERS ARE SET TO INTERVIEW BOBBY BABICH FOR THEIR DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR POSITION.
According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Packers requested and received permission to interview Buffalo Bills linebacker coach Bobby Babich.
According to Garafolo, Babich has also interviewed for the defensive coordinator position with the New York Giants.
Who Is Bobby Babich, And Why Is He A Good Fit For The Green Bay Packers?
According to the Bills website:
“Bobby Babich joined the Bills in 2017 as assistant defensive backs coach and was elevated to safeties coach in 2018. Babich was named the linebackers coach before the 2022 season began. Last season, Babich helped linebacker Matt Milano, who was chosen a 2022 first-team All-Pro.”
The Bills’ defense was the fourth-best in the NFL this season, allowing only 18.4 points per game. In addition, they ranked ninth in yards allowed per game and eighth in passing yards allowed per game. Their run defense was ranked fifteenth in the NFL.
Each of these rankings would represent significant gains for the Packers. While Babich has no coordinator experience, he is a young up-and-coming coach who is already being interviewed by other clubs to manage their defenses. He is so well-respected that the Bills require other clubs to get permission before hiring him.
Babich has previously worked with Bills head coach Sean McDermott and defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier (who took a year off from coaching), but his theory is expected to be similar: a base four-man rush with varying blitz packages. This would undoubtedly be a departure from the 3-4 defense that the Packers have employed throughout Dom Capers’ tenure, but it could be a necessary one.
