Buffalo Plus Podcast: "Buffalo Bills PROMOTE Bobby BABICH, will new DC call plays?"

Date: January 30, 2024
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes

Episode Overview

This emergency edition of the Buffalo Plus Podcast breaks down the Buffalo Bills’ promotion of Bobby Babich to defensive coordinator. The hosts dive into Babich’s background, the reasoning behind the promotion, internal competition, questions about play-calling responsibilities, and what this move signals for the future of the Bills defense under Sean McDermott. The show balances insider insight with candid, witty banter among the hosts.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Bobby Babich’s Promotion – Why Now?

• Babich’s Background and Path
  • Came to Buffalo with McDermott in 2017, worked with the secondary and linebackers, widely respected by players and staff.
  • "Babich is a guy they think highly of… and did a great job in the secondary. Moved to linebackers. Popular coach." (Mike, 01:31)
• The Decision Timeline
  • Eric Washington’s departure for Chicago created a vacuum and signaled a likely internal promotion.
  • Interest from outside teams (Giants, Packers, Dolphins) pressured the Bills to act, or risk losing Babich.
  • “Here’s a guy that you have bred… Why would you want to give up the experience that he has and the success?” (Dan, 03:53)
• Element of Surprise
  • Slight surprise it was Babich given his age and the presence of more seasoned coaches, but his development and player results made sense in the end.

2. Internal Staff Dynamics & Comparisons

• Other Staff Considered
  • Al Holcomb and Eric Washington, both seen as more experienced, but ownership of McDermott’s system and Babich’s rapport won out.
• Staff Continuity
  • Despite “toxic culture” narratives, the Bills retain coaching talent—an inside joke:
    • "For the toxic culture that Sean McDermott has bred in Buffalo… Coaches seem to be staying." (Jenna, 13:00)

3. Player Development Success Stories

• Babich’s Coaching Track Record
  • Developed All-Pros (Hyde, Poyer), maximized linebacker talent (Tremaine Edmunds, Matt Milano, and T. Bernard).
  • “Bobby Babich’s players have improved under him.” (Mike, 11:47)
• Comparisons to Former Position Coaches
  • Chad Hall, loved by receivers but didn’t get a shot at OC, unlike Babich.

4. Who Calls the Defensive Plays?

Major Question Pointed Forward

• Should Babich or McDermott Call Plays?
  • Divided opinions. Mike argues Babich should get game-day play-calling to free up McDermott as a head coach:
    • "I am gonna make him the play caller because I’m gonna give him the whole offseason, all the installs. You still have Sean McDermott… But I do think…taking something off the Plate… is the game day." (Mike, 08:12, 09:11)
  • Recognition that McDermott has a strong track record, but playoff game management has suffered.
    • "There were moments he admitted, ‘I didn’t hear this. I didn’t see that.’ That’s one, a lot for a head coach to even admit. And two, a little troubling." (Mike, 09:31)
  • Consensus emerges that giving Babich a full offseason prep could pay off, while McDermott remains heavily involved.

5. The State of the Bills’ Defense – What Needs to Change?

• Defensive Underperformance in Playoffs
  • Defense hasn’t matched regular season form in key postseason games: “The deciding games have not been great for the defenses… The loss to the Chiefs, the Bengals game, they got pushed around, both years on the D line.” (Mike, 14:17)
• Coaching Needs
  • With promotions, Buffalo must re-tool at linebacker and D-line coach spots.
  • "D line is going to be crucial because that line is going to change A lot." (Mike, 19:12)
• Scheme Approach Going Forward
  • Balance between continuity of McDermott’s scheme and openness to new ideas from Babich.

6. Coach Personality & Organizational Culture

• Jokes & Banter About Staff Dynamics
  • Humor about play-caller power: “Believe me, Sean McDermott is not going to say, go ahead, I’m going to go have coffee… He’s not doing that and saying, it’s all yours now, Bobby.” (Mike, 09:03)
  • Snark about supposed “toxic culture”—but clear pride in staff retention.

7. Broader NFL Coaching Landscape

• Coordinators and Head Coach Fit
  • Reflections on the benefits of having coordinators with head coaching experience (i.e., Leslie Frazier flitting around the league).
  • Connection to Brian Daboll and the value of supportive coaching relationships when moving from coordinator to head coach.
  • “I love Brian Dable more than certain members of my family.” (Jenna, 17:12)
• Appreciation for Leslie Frazier
  • Praises Frazier’s professionalism with the press and legacy with the Bills.
    • “The NFL is better with Leslie Frazier in it… always love listening.” (Jenna, 20:09)

8. Looking Ahead

• Timeline for More Answers
  • Expect more detail at the NFL Combine (late Feb) about play-calling and other hires.
  • "That may be when we know the worst. What McDermott loves about combine sauce." (Mike, 15:24)
• Key Remaining Needs
  • Defensive line overhaul and continued development at linebacker cited as ‘crucial.’

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Staff Development:
  “You have signed this guy, you’ve promoted him through positions… it does make sense to not let a guy like this go, especially in McDermott’s system where the two most important positions are linebacker and safety.”
  —Mike (07:22)

• On Play-Calling Questions:
  "I think I'd still like it to be Sean at this moment. But you are kind of... I think it will take some of the responsibilities off of the plate…”
  —Jenna (07:17)

• On Postseason Struggles:
  “Defense has not been what they've been in the regular season in those playoff losses.”
  —Mike (14:30)

• On Team Culture Narratives:
  “For the toxic culture that Sean McDermott has bred in Buffalo… Coaches seem to be staying.”
  —Jenna (13:00)

• On the Bills’ Defensive Line Need:
  "D line is going to be crucial because that line is going to change A lot."
  —Mike (19:12)

• On Leslie Frazier:
  “The NFL is better with Leslie Frazier in it.”
  —Jenna (20:09)
  “Any question that Leslie Fraser got asked, sweet man would just say, ‘You know what, that’s a great question.’ It could be the dumbest, trust me, but he always had a thoughtful answer.”
  —Jenna (20:23)

Important Timestamps

• Babich Promotion Announced — 01:16
• Babich’s Credentials & External Interest — 03:40
• Why Not Holcomb or Washington? — 06:25
• Babich’s Impact on Player Development — 07:35, 12:10
• Play-Calling Responsibilities Debate — 08:12, 09:11, 18:07
• Postseason Defensive Struggles — 14:16
• D-Line & Linebacker Needs — 19:12
• Leslie Frazier Appreciation — 20:09

Final Take

This episode is a must-listen for Bills fans who want to understand what Bobby Babich’s promotion means and why the staff chose him now. The hosts expertly mix deep football analysis with playful chemistry, providing both insider perspective and candid, relatable reactions. The big question—who will actually call the defense on game days—remains unresolved, but optimism surrounds Babich’s potential to balance innovation with McDermott’s foundational system.

For ongoing coverage and future answers, keep an eye on the NFL Combine and subscribe to Buffalo Plus.