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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.
Whether it’s as DC calling plays or just the title, I would 100% approve and want Bobby Babich to earn that title.
— Eric Wood (@EWood70) January 27, 2024
Bobby is one of the smartest coaches I’ve been around. Incredible energy and one of the best developers of talent I’ve witnessed.#BillsMafia
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
- LA Chargers Defensive Pass Game Coordinator Tom Donatell
- Bills DBs coach John Butler
- Minnesota Vikings Assistant HC Mike Pettine
More must-reads:
- Browns' Shedeur Sanders could be losing valuable opportunity after injury update
- Five best NFL offseason value signings on defense: NFC East rivals earn high marks
- The '2023 NFL AP second-team All-Pro' quiz
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Analyst’s bold take warns Commanders may have made huge offseason blunder
The Washington Commanders are currently dealing with some wide receiver issues heading into the season. An NFL analyst poured more fuel on the fire by proclaiming that Adam Peters will regret a huge call earlier this offseason. Terry McLaurin is not practicing and hasn't for months as his contract battle with the Commanders goes on. Others lower down the depth chart are coming in for increasing criticism, which leaves general manager Adam Peters with a potential problem on his hands if they cannot turn the tide before Week 1. The Commanders' wideout regeneration began by letting Dyami Brown walk in free agency. Although the former third-round pick displayed much-improved performances down the stretch and into the playoffs, it wasn't enough for Peters to give him an extended stay. NFL analyst believes Commanders could regret letting Dyami Brown walk Brown ended up signing a one-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars that includes $9.5 million guaranteed. He's made his presence felt over the summer, drawing praise from quarterback Trevor Lawrence and head coach Liam Coen. This is the time of year he always flourished in Washington, but putting it together in a competitive setting was far more challenging. That didn't stop Brock Vereen of CBS Sports from labeling Brown as a sleeping giant ready to take over in 2025. The analyst thought his stock was low right now, but the Commanders could be kicking themselves for letting him go when it's all said and done. Stock right now is low on him because, 'Oh, Washington got rid of him. They replaced him with Deebo Samuel. He only landed a one-year deal.' This is a sleeping giant. Liam Coen knew exactly what he was doing. Dyami Brown is a versatile weapon. He can take handoffs, he can catch the ball, he can line up anywhere on the field. He even has pass attempts over his career. He can do everything and will be probably the most forgotten offensive weapon coming off of the Travis Hunter hype.Brock Vereen via SI Brown always flattered to deceive in Washington. He had every physical tool imaginable to be successful, but consistency never got close to the required standard. Peters takes sentiment out of every equation. The front-office leader didn't think the North Carolina product was worth what Jacksonville was willing to pay. And he pivoted accordingly. There probably won't be much regret around Brown's departure, regardless of whether he performs well with the Jaguars or not. He had countless chances to establish himself as a long-term option and almost always failed to deliver. If he'd done so, the Commanders would have rewarded him with a new deal. That wasn't the case. And there are still more questions than answers around Brown despite his promising start in the Florida sunshine. More Commanders news and analysis
Packers HC Matt LaFleur makes a telling comment about Jordan Love
The Green Bay Packers always had a vision for Jordan Love. That's why they shocked the world by taking him in the first round, even if that meant infuriating Aaron Rodgers. Fast forward to today, and Love has proved to be up to the task of being a starter, and he's even looked like a potential star at times. That's why, despite some inconsistencies and questionable decision-making, head coach Matt LaFleur still has the utmost confidence in him. "I’d hate to put a ceiling on him because I think he can be one of the elites in this league," LaFleur told The Athletic. Love took some pages out of Rodgers' book. He's been great at making the most of free plays, and his sidearm throws are just too similar to No. 12. What he didn't get from his mentor, however, was the consistency and the ability to take care of the football. Even so, Love knows he has what it takes to be among the best of the best. "What those guys do at such a high level is just consistency with everything," Love said. "I know I’m just as good as those guys and can be even better, so I think it comes down to going out there and making those plays on Sunday." Love is currently out with an injury that will most likely keep him sidelined until Week 1. The Packers wide receiver corps has been the most decimated in the league, and with sky-high expectations for the season, all eyes will be on Love in 2025.
Notre Dame believed to be trending toward surprise choice at quarterback
The quarterback battle for Notre Dame is set to come to an end shortly, and it might be a surprise considering how the national media predicted the race to finish. Per Eric Hansen of On3, head coach Marcus Freeman is set to name the starting quarterback by Sunday when he meets the media. The Irish are still letting the quarterback battle play out until then, but it appears sophomore quarterback Kenny Minchey is the favorite to start at Hard Rock Stadium against the Miami Hurricanes on Aug. 31. Minchey has shown improvement in numerous areas throughout camp, and he has the edge on freshman quarterback CJ Carr in what is believed to be the final week of the competition. "As of Wednesday, the line between 1 and 2 remained blurred," Hansen wrote. "The tiebreaker may eventually go to Minchey, per the source, because of his ability to be a true running threat and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock’s preference to have that element to put pressure on opposing defenses. "But he also has a preference for QBs who can transcend adversity, and the training camp phase was choreographed to test precisely that. While both contenders responded persistently in a manner that defies their inexperience, Minchey has been exceptional in that regard." Throughout the summer, ESPN writers such as Bill Connelly and Mark Schlabach have written as though it were a forgone conclusion that Carr would win the battle in training camp. However, Minchey appears to be a natural fit for how offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock likes to scheme against a defense. He helped dual-threat Jayden Daniels earn a Heisman Trophy in 2023 and took Notre Dame to a national championship appearance with Riley Leonard. The battle isn't over, but the edge appears to be running Minchey's way.
Steelers quarterback who is taking full advantage of Will Howard's injury anchors group of winners from 2025 training camp
The Steelers made it through one of the most demanding camps in all of the league relatively unscathed. But there was one player, who had built a lot of hype and anticipation heading into the preseason, who has yet to play: QB Will Howard. The player getting his reps in his absence is one of our winners from training camp... Winner(s) No.1: UDFA WRs For all of camp, the UDFA WR that was kicking you know what and taking names was Roc Taylor. He developed a rapport with Will Howard, and while he didn't have the biggest Week 1 preseason game, his fellow rookie UDFA WRs did. Max Hurleman stole the show in the first half, and he was a major factor in various team periods throughout camp. Ke'Shawn Williams wasn't as consistent in Latrobe, but when the team went south to Jacksonville for an in-stadium venture, he shone where it mattered most. As Calvin Austin III continues to miss time, one of these three helps their chances to make the final 53 with each passing day. Winner No.2: Jalen Ramsey Jalen Ramsey joined the Steelers in a trade that some saw coming, but few believed would include Minkah Fitzpatrick. Tasked with managing a lot of new and moving parts in the secondary, Ramsey has lived up to the hype, while simultaneously setting expectations. He's played slot corner, or nickel, outside corner, and safety, and he's done remarkably well at all three positions in camp. While I don't see him being a big part of the preseason, he will likely be out there on Thursday, when the Steelers welcome the Bucs to town for a joint practice ahead of Saturday's game. I'm sure Ramsey will be excited for Thursday's scrimmage. QB Skylar Thompson The quarterback who received the majority of the reps in Week 1 of the preseason, Thompson, was absolutely lights out. Throwing for over 230 yards and three touchdowns while completing nearly 72 percent of his passes is undeniable, even if it's preseason. Thompson still has his work cut out for him, as Howard was tearing up camp before his hand injury, but if he's going to throw the ball like that, it's going to be hard for the Steelers not to consider carrying four quarterbacks onto their roster come September. Want more Steelers news? Answer our poll question and sign up for our weekly newsletter!
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