Buffalo Bills Defensive Coordinator Candidates (2024)

Last week, we looked at the Buffalo Bills OC candidates. (Editor’s Note: And Joe Brady was officially promoted!) This week, we take a look at candidates that will work directly with Sean McDermott on his defense. After going this year without a Defensive Coordinator on their coaching staff, the Buffalo Bills are starting to interview some potential candidates. So far, they’ve interviewed former Philadelphia Eagles DC Sean Desai and former Jacksonville Jaguars DC Mike Caldwell. Caldwell could likely be a backup option in case they don’t get “their guy” this cycle. But, let’s look at some other options they should consider as well.

Ron Rivera (Former Washington Commanders HC)

Some people might not like this, but Rivera has obvious ties to this coaching staff, most notably Sean McDermott and Senior Defensive Assistant Al Holcomb. Rivera is a serious candidate for a DC job this cycle. He has already been rumored to many teams, including the Dallas Cowboys if they lose Dan Quinn. McDermott and Rivera run a similar 4-3 defensive scheme, so very minimal would have to change on defense. Not to mention, McDermott could hand over play calling duties if he so chooses.

Bobby Babich (Bills LBs Coach)

This HAS to be the hiring Buffalo makes. Babich is a bright young mind that has turned everybody he coaches into All-Pros. When he was the Safeties Coach, he turned Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde into two of the league’s best and leaders on this defense. After switching to Linebackers, Babich helped turn Matt Milano into an All-Pro and Terrel Bernard into the force he was this year. Babich has interviewed for three DC jobs so far: the Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, and Green Bay Packers. If the Bills don’t promote him, they risk losing their top defensive coach.

Chris Harris (Titans Defensive Pass Game Coordinator)

Harris is bound to get a DC job sooner rather than later, and it should be with the Bills if they go with an outside candidate. Harris runs many schemes on defense, but he’s centered around a 4-3 defense. After serving as a DBs coach for many years, he has built up quite a rapport around the league. As the Washington Commanders’ DB coach for three years, the unit finished highly in most categories. Washington gave up the second-least passing yards in 2020, and landed in the top five again in the same category in 2022. With the Bills looking to go younger at DB this year, Harris would help out guys like Kaiir Elam tremendously.

Anthony Weaver (Ravens DL coach/Assistant HC)

Maybe the most intriguing coach in this hiring cycle. Weaver got interviews for the Commanders HC opening, and will likely get a DC gig somewhere if he doesn’t land a HC job. Weaver ran a tremendous DL unit this season, as the Ravens totaled 58 sacks in the regular season. They also saw a resurgence of Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy, who to date, had very depressing careers in the league. Weaver was able to get the best out of them, which shouldn’t go unnoticed either. As the Bills DL continues to disappoint in the post season, Weaver would be a great addition for that unit alone. (Editor’s Note: Anthony Weaver was Buffalo’s DL Coach in 2013.)

Other candidates in the mix

1. LA Chargers Defensive Pass Game Coordinator Tom Donatell
2. Bills DBs coach John Butler
3. Minnesota Vikings Assistant HC Mike Pettine

Featured Image Credit: Buffalo Bills