New DC

Cooper’s DBs:

2022 had 43 PBU, 9 ints and 0 pick 6s

2023 had 49 PBU, 9 ints and 0 pick 6s

Butler’s DBs:

2024 had 37 PBU, 11 ints and 2 pick 6s

I still need to see how many TDs they gave up but he increased 2 stats from the previous DB coach.  

 
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Cooper’s DBs:

2022 had 43 PBU, 9 ints and 0 pick 6s

2023 had 49 PBU, 9 ints and 0 pick 6s

Butler’s DBs:

2024 had 37 PBU, 11 ints and 2 pick 6s

I still need to see how many TDs they gave up but he increased 2 stats from the previous DB coach.  
Thanks for this becsause in my mind I was like I'm pretty sure they had more INTs and definitely had more pick 6.  I thought the secondary was ok.  Didn't have some great games but overall they were ok.  

 
If we agree that being a good position coach doesn't necessarily make you a good coordinator, and being a good coordinator doesn't necessarily make you a good head coach, then why wouldn't we also agree in reverse, that not being amazing as a position coach doesn't necessarily mean that you wouldn't be good as a coordinator?

 
Why do we need to meltdown over an assistant coaching hire?  Give the guy a year as a DC and see how it goes.

As I’ve said before, all coaching hires are crapshoots.  Diaco was supposedly a  home run and it was a disaster.
I agree with you, but you have been on HB long enough to know it doesn’t take much to create a meltdown and just by glancing through the thread, I would guess 75% or more are against JB being named DC.  This hire will basically dictate HCMR future, so it is significant, even more so than the first time around due to going into year 3 and barely squeezing out a bowl. If a large amount of HB posters don’t believe inJB, it will cause a meltdown , whether warranted or not.

 
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Anyone still asking about Butler being considered for the DC position, or why people are talking about him being considered (@The Dude etc.), here is a quote from Rhule just today.  Athletic article about the signing class.

Screenshot_20241204_200605_The Athletic.jpg

 
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Cooper’s DBs:

2022 had 43 PBU, 9 ints and 0 pick 6s

2023 had 49 PBU, 9 ints and 0 pick 6s

Butler’s DBs:

2024 had 37 PBU, 11 ints and 2 pick 6s

I still need to see how many TDs they gave up but he increased 2 stats from the previous DB coach.  
I’m sorry but these are the silliest stats to compare. Interceptions can be a result of defensive pressure, tips, dropped passes, terrible throws, great defensive plays… interceptions that are returned by a linebacker for a touchdown. so make that 1 pick 6.

Also, averaging less than 1 int a game isn’t something to brag about. 
 

2024 pass defense gave up 9 more passing touchdowns than in 2023 (23-14). This doesn’t solely fall on the DBs though. I had way less confidence in the defensive backs this year but a lot of that was White not wanting to blitz. 
 

To some people, NFL experience is the crux of coaching. I just don’t see how people could get excited for Butler. 

 
This move was made in the preseason when Rhule landed Butler. I am all for him if he is announced. He has paid his dues and is highly respected in the NFL ranks. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5284976/2024/02/20/buffalo-bills-john-butler-sean-mcdermott/
Yes and Rhule is showing he will not stick to past plans if needed. Satt and Thomas was brought on as co-oc just last year and neither are OC anymore. So I wouldnt count on Butler as a shoe in just because they talked about DC being on the table. If any of those sitting DCs calling him fit his scheme and are a proven upgrade from White I would be surprised if he doesn’t go that route. It’s s#!t and get time in his regime. He said it yesterday they are ready to make the year 3 jump he is known for. To back that up you can’t hire a DC with no real experience 

 
If we agree that being a good position coach doesn't necessarily make you a good coordinator, and being a good coordinator doesn't necessarily make you a good head coach, then why wouldn't we also agree in reverse, that not being amazing as a position coach doesn't necessarily mean that you wouldn't be good as a coordinator?


Would you want the guy who couldn't get the WR's to block to run the entire offense?      

 
I’m sorry but these are the silliest stats to compare. Interceptions can be a result of defensive pressure, tips, dropped passes, terrible throws, great defensive plays… interceptions that are returned by a linebacker for a touchdown. so make that 1 pick 6.

Also, averaging less than 1 int a game isn’t something to brag about. 
 

2024 pass defense gave up 9 more passing touchdowns than in 2023 (23-14). This doesn’t solely fall on the DBs though. I had way less confidence in the defensive backs this year but a lot of that was White not wanting to blitz. 
 

To some people, NFL experience is the crux of coaching. I just don’t see how people could get excited for Butler. 
Hill had a pick 6 against CU and Ceyair had one against USC. That makes 2.  
 

 
Regarding our DB performance, it's also worth pointing out the CB situation was not ideal. Tommi Hill was supposed to be a shutdown guy, and at the start of the year we were great. A lot of this can be attributed to the DL as well, but Shedeur had season lows in completion percentage, yards, and TDs against us. 

Illinois is where things started slipping - I think Rhule regrets letting Tommi play, he was a liability in several games because of his foot. A preseason injury to Blye Hill meant we were playing Buford out of position, and while that worked a lot of the time he and Hartzog got picked on by bigger receivers. Wright stepped up big time, but he was our 3rd or 4th corner going into the year. Some other guys (little Buford, Charles, Sanders, Tarver) got opportunities, but either didn't capitalize or were redshirting. Amare Sanders is the only one who was on the week one depth chart, we were testing the limits of our depth. If I had to guess the coaches wouldn't have redshirted Sanders if they could go back and sit Tommi Hill when he was hurt initially. Buford and Hartzog were largely solid, but just limited and teams exploited them.

We also just didn't have great athleticism in our safeties/rover. That should be less of a problem moving forward as the young atheletes develop, but I definitely wouldn't mind an incoming transfer or two in the secondary. Some of the coverage busts come back to coaching (and he has mentioned the challenge of coaching college kids versus pros), but IMO the bigger issues were CB injuries and lack of elite athleticism.

 
I know Rhule mentioned he’s had a lot of power 5 d coordinators reach out already with interest in our open position. 
 

has anyone actually heard legit names of interest for our open spot? Of course Butler is an option(I hope not) but just wondered if anyone has heard any other names floated. 

 
Rhule has to play it close to the vest.  Can’t have drama leaking names of candidates that are currently with other teams. 
 

if there was a big fish, I hope we could land him quickly as it will help sure up the uncertainty with current players as well as go to the portal with a lot of confidence to get some good players that will fit what the next DC wants to do.  

 
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