Photo Courtesy: Bill Wippert/ buffalobills.com
With one game remaining in the regular season and the Buffalo Bills already clinching a playoff spot, at the time of posting this, it remains unclear whether the Bills’ starters will play any significant minutes in the regular season finale. With the most consequential games ahead in the postseason, here are the regular-season grades for the Buffalo coaching staff. (Grades will be handed out to the head coach, coordinators, and notable assistant coaches.)
Head Coach: Sean McDermott
Grade: B+
Although the Bills haven’t accomplished their ultimate postseason goal, making the playoffs for a seventh straight season stands as quite the accomplishment. With a roster that many would acknowledge as having deficiencies, McDermott has still guided the Bills to their sixth straight season of 11 or more wins. The 51-year-old seemed to become more involved in the Bills’ defense since their Week 7 bye week, and since that point, the defense has allowed 22 points per game, which would rank in the upper half of the league.
McDermott has also shown improvement with his aggressiveness, as Buffalo has gone for it on fourth down, 14th most in the league (up from 19th in the league last year), and has hit on three of his four challenges this year (up from 11 of 38 in his career previously).
Offensive Coordinator: Joe Brady
Grade: B+
Bills fans love to criticize Brady’s predictability and rush-heavy approach; however, the stats do speak for themselves. The Bills rank fifth in total offense, second in rushing, sixth in points per game, and fourth in expected points added per play. Yes, Brady and the offense have been overly conservative and too cute at times; however, they have scored 30+ points in eight games this year and have still done enough to win double-digit games.
Defensive Coordinator: Bobby Babich
Grade: C+
Babich, who entered his second year as the Bills’ defensive coordinator, saw his defense struggle at times, especially against the run, early in the season before McDermott became more involved following the Week 7 bye week. The 41-year-old has helped McDermott call the defense “together,” according to McDermott, and has more than likely played a significant role in the recent improvements.
Special Teams Coordinator: Chris Tabor
Grade: C
Other than the kick return game, the Bills have left a lot to be desired in the special teams unit. Tabor, who has coached special teams in the NFL since 2008, has seen his unit rank 29th in punt return average, below league average in net punt yardage, and 29th in extra point percentage. Buffalo certainly could benefit from a more well-rounded special teams group in the playoffs.
Assistants who have stood out:
Aaron Kromer (Offensive Line): A
Kelly Skipper (Running Backs): A
Rob Boras (Tight Ends): A-
Joe Danna (Safeties): A-
At the end of every season, staff changes occur for nearly every squad. If the Bills come up short in the postseason again, it will be interesting to see how they go about staff changes.