Bills: Sean McDermott's coaching staff loses critical piece for 2023
No one expected the latest news surrounding the Buffalo Bills’ offseason.
The Buffalo Bills shocked the NFL world during the 2023 Scouting Combine week by making a significant announcement on Tuesday about their coaching staff:
Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier is taking a year off from coaching in 2023. That leaves the Bills without a defensive coordinator at the moment.
The Bills cite no reason for Frazier's temporary departure from the team. In the official statement, the team indicates Frazier plans to return to coaching in 2024.
Despite recent criticisms, Frazier has given the Bills very solid defenses since he joined the team in 2017. Since then, Buffalo ranks second in takeaways and first in points allowed per game.
More news around Bills' coaching staff:
Along with Leslie Frazier's update, the Bills announced other coaching staff news. Surprisingly, the team didn't include any promotion to defensive coordinator though:
- Austin Gund was named Offensive Assistant / Offensive Line.
- Adam Henry was named Wide Receivers coach.
- Kyle Shurmur was named Senior Defensive Assistant.
- Al Holcomb was named Senior Defensive Assistant.
Al Holcomb and DL coach Eric Washington have been quickly identified by fans and media as two candidates to step up and take over Frazier's role.
HC Sean McDermott is also likely to play a big role in the operation of the defense, of course. Although it appears to be late in the process, it's possible the decision was made a while back and the Bills were aware of it.
Bills GM Brandon Beane is scheduled to talk to the media later on Tuesday.
Featured image via David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
