GREEN BAY (Azat TV) – The Green Bay Packers have finalized a significant addition to their defensive coaching staff, hiring Bobby Babich, the former defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, as their new Defensive Passing Game Coordinator and Secondary Coach. This move, confirmed by a league source on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, is a pivotal part of new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon’s efforts to reshape the team’s defense.
Babich’s arrival follows a series of key departures from Green Bay’s defensive staff. Former defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, along with defensive backs coach Ryan Downard and linebackers coach Sean Duggan, recently left to join the Miami Dolphins. The restructuring under Gannon aims to inject fresh leadership and tactical expertise into a defense that finished 12th in total defense and 11th in pass defense last season, according to *PackersNews.com*.
A Key Addition to Gannon’s Defense
Bobby Babich, 42, brings 14 seasons of NFL assistant coaching experience to Green Bay. His new role as Defensive Passing Game Coordinator and Secondary Coach is crucial, especially following Ryan Downard’s exit. This appointment also raises questions regarding the future of Derrick Ansley, who served as Green Bay’s defensive pass game coordinator for the past two seasons. It is not immediately clear if Ansley will transition to a different role within the restructured staff or depart the organization.
Babich’s expertise in coaching defensive backs is extensive. Prior to his two seasons as the Bills’ defensive coordinator (2024-2025), he spent four seasons as the Bills’ safeties coach (2018-2021) and had previous stints coaching defensive backs with the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers. His comprehensive background is expected to bolster the Packers’ secondary, an area of focus for the team.
Babich’s Extensive NFL Background
Babich’s journey through the NFL coaching ranks is marked by diverse experience. He first joined the Buffalo Bills’ staff in 2017 as an assistant defensive backs coach, steadily rising through the ranks to coach linebackers before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 2024. During his tenure as defensive coordinator for the Bills, he shared play-calling duties with head coach Sean McDermott, as McDermott confirmed in October of last year.
This isn’t Babich’s first interaction with the Packers organization. He previously interviewed for Green Bay’s defensive coordinator position in 2024, a role that ultimately went to Jeff Hafley. His return to the Packers’ radar, now under new defensive leadership, underscores the high regard the organization has for his coaching acumen and proven track record with a top-performing defense. Under Babich’s co-coordination, the Bills ranked seventh in total defense and first in pass defense in the 2025 season.
Context of Defensive Overhaul
The hiring of Babich is one of several strategic moves as Jonathan Gannon builds his new defensive staff. In addition to the departures of Hafley, Downard, and Duggan, the Packers are actively seeking a new linebackers coach. One prominent candidate being discussed is Nick Rallis, who served as Gannon’s defensive coordinator in Arizona and previously coached linebackers for the Philadelphia Eagles when Gannon was their coordinator. However, Rallis’s availability hinges on the Arizona Cardinals’ ongoing head coach search, as he may still be under contract.
The integration of experienced coaches like Babich is a clear signal of the Packers’ commitment to revitalizing their defense. The team is aiming to improve upon its 2025 season rankings, which included 18th in run defense and 11th in scoring defense. The new structure under Gannon, now fortified by Babich’s specialized expertise, signals a comprehensive approach to defensive strategy and player development.
The acquisition of Bobby Babich reflects Jonathan Gannon’s intent to construct a defensive staff rich in diverse experience, particularly in the secondary and passing game, which is crucial for navigating the evolving offensive schemes of the modern NFL.