After more than six seasons with the Buffalo Bills, John Butler felt it was time to move on. Earlier this month, the 50-year-old reached an agreement with the team to be relieved of his duties as defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator.
As they say, everything good must come to an end.
John Butler Speaks Out on Buffalo Bills Exit
Three weeks ago, Bills head coach Sean McDermott named Bobby Babich the team’s new defensive coordinator, a position Butler was also interested in. Butler has absolutely no animosity against Babich. However, the latter recognized it was time for him to move on when the team snubbed him for the DC position.
“Bobby’s going to do a great job,” Butler told Tim Graham of The Athletic. “It basically came down to us both believing we were qualified for the position. We both still are. Everything remains the same after the decision is made.
“But once that decision is made, it’s time for me to look into other opportunities as a coordinator. I do best when I am in command. I ran the secondary for six years, but there is a limit there.”
Butler also had no anger for McDermott’s decision to bypass him. He also has no ill will toward the organization. Butler, who has yet to acquire his next project, says it was simply a matter of having a different perspective.
“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,” he said. “There doesn’t need to be a weird tale behind it. I simply want to run a defense in the NFL or college football. I want the opportunity and do not want to wait.”
McDermott, for his part, wishes his former DB coach all the best. He probably would have loved Butler to stay, but McDermott understands that the former will have to shoot his shot elsewhere:
“I want the best for John,” McDermott explained. “He’s been an important component of our success. He’s an excellent coach.
“But I also understand John has goals for himself.”
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