Former Buffalo Bills Coach John Butler Unveils Reasons for Departure: ‘I’m Not Willing to Wait’

After more than six years with the Buffalo Bills, John Butler concluded that it was time for a change. Earlier this month, the 50-year-old and the team mutually agreed to part ways, with Butler stepping down from his roles as the squad’s defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator.

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

Three weeks ago, Bills head coach Sean McDermott appointed Bobby Babich as the new defensive coordinator, a position Butler had also aspired to. Butler harbors no animosity towards Babich; rather, he recognized that it was time for him to seek opportunities elsewhere after being passed over for the DC role.

“Bobby’s going to do a great job,” Butler remarked. “It really just came down to us both feeling we were qualified to do the job. We both still are. The decision doesn’t change anything. But once that decision is made, it’s time for me to see if I can be a coordinator somewhere else. I’m at my best when I’m in charge. I ran the secondary for six years, but there’s a ceiling there.”

Despite not getting the promotion he desired, Butler holds no grudges against McDermott or the organization. He simply has a different vision and seeks the opportunity to lead a defense in the NFL or college football without delay.

“People are probably wondering why a guy who’s had so much production and so many great things to say about the organization is leaving,” Butler explained. “There doesn’t have to be a crazy story behind it. I just want to run a defense in the NFL or college football. I want that opportunity, and I don’t want to wait.”

McDermott expresses nothing but goodwill towards his former defensive backs coach. While he would have preferred Butler to stay, McDermott understands that Butler needs to pursue his goals elsewhere.