Babich had spent the entire tenure with the Bills since 2017 and served as defensive coordinator for the past two seasons. His exit comes as Buffalo’s new regime looks to shape its defensive and overall coaching approach under Brady, who inherits a staff that previously aligned with McDermott’s system.
Green Bay’s hiring of Babich is a notable development for new Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, who added the Bills veteran to his staff. The move underscores how quickly the NFL coaching carousel can shift, especially for a team in transition at the top.
For the Bills, the immediate question is who steps in as defensive coordinator. One prominent name linked to Buffalo is Jim Leonhard, the former Wisconsin and Broncos defensive assistant who currently serves as the Broncos’ defensive pass game coordinator. If Leonhard becomes available, Buffalo could pivot to keep ahead of the process, but there is no certainty he will land in Buffalo.
Despite Babich’s exit, Buffalo remains an attractive destination for coaching talent, with Brady expected to pursue multiple candidates to fill the DC role and other key positions. The outcome will shape Brady’s first full offseason as head coach and influence Buffalo’s prospects to improve in 2026 and beyond.
As the Bills navigate this staffing transition, formal hires are expected to come in the coming weeks. The sequence of moves will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, given the team’s aim to climb back into playoff contention and contend for a deeper run in 2026.
