Bills Hire Former Raiders Defensive Assistant to Refurbished Coaching Staff
The Buffalo Bills continued their offseason coaching staff makeover on the defensive side of the ball, adding Matt Edwards to the mix.
The Bills announced the hiring of Edwards as the team's new assistant defensive line coach on Thursday. The staff position opened up when Marcus West was promoted to defensive line coach, replacing the highly-regarded Eric Washington, who left to become the Chicago Bears' defensive coordinator.
One day prior to the Edwards announcement, the Bills added three new staff members, including cornerbacks coach Jahmile Addae and defensive quality control coach Christian Taylor. They join a defensive staff led by newly-installed coordinator Bobby Babich, who had previously served as the team's linebackers coach.
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When Leslie Frazier stepped aside last offseason, head coach Sean McDermott took over DC duties for the 2023 campaign. As a unit, the Bills' defense ranked ninth amongst NFL leaders. Buffalo produced the third-highest sack rate (9.78 percent) and fifth-best interception rate (3.26 percent) on the circuit.
In the end, Buffalo's injury-ravaged defense failed to contain the Kansas City Chiefs during a 27-24 AFC Divisional Round loss last month. From the top down, the defensive staff will take on a different look in 2024. In all, six different coaches have been added or promoted to larger roles.
Edwards, a former Miami (OH) linebacker / defensive end, served as Las Vegas Raiders' defensive assistant and pass rush specialist coach in 2022 and 2023. On his watch, defensive end Maxx Crosby thrived while leading the NFL in tackles-for-loss in back-to-back seasons.
The Bills are the third different NFL team to employ Edwards. The former Division I player spent four seasons (2018-21) with the Tennessee Titans holding roles as defensive assistant and special teams assistant. His coaching career gained traction during an eight-year stint at Kent State, eventually rising up the ranks from graduate assistant to defensive line coach. Prior to landing in the NFL, Edwards also spent time on staff at his alma mater as well as Florida Atlantic.
