Former Stanford football defensive coordinator Bobby April III has joined the NFL’s Buffalo Bills as the team’s new outside linebackers coach. This move comes after a brief tenure with the Minnesota Gophers, where he served as the rush ends coach following the conclusion of the season. April’s return to the NFL marks his first coaching role in the league since 2016 and his second stint with the Bills.
April previously worked with the Bills from 2015 to 2016 as the linebackers coach under former head coach Rex Ryan. He has a wealth of experience, having also coached for the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Jets. His extensive background in both college and professional football includes roles as a defensive quality control coach, assistant linebackers coach, and head linebackers coach.
April’s hiring follows the recent appointment of Jim Leonhard as the Bills’ defensive coordinator. The two coaches collaborated at the University of Wisconsin from 2018 to 2022, with April focusing on outside linebackers while Leonhard oversaw the defense. Their shared history may foster a cohesive coaching strategy for the Bills as they strive for improvement in the upcoming season.
Coaching Journey and Future Aspirations
April’s coaching career began in 2004 as a student assistant at his alma mater, Louisiana-Lafayette. After completing his studies, he advanced to a graduate assistant position at Tulane University from 2005 to 2006. His first full-time role came in 2007, when he became the special teams coordinator and inside linebackers coach at Portland State. He later took on similar roles at Nicholls State before making the leap to the NFL in 2011.
After two years with the Eagles, April joined the Jets, where he held various coaching roles. His return to the Buffalo Bills signifies a new opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities at the highest level of football. The Bills have experienced considerable regular season success in recent years but have struggled to reach the Super Bowl. April aims to contribute to the franchise’s ambitions, which include securing their first championship title.
As part of a transforming coaching staff under new head coach Joe Brady, April’s experience will be crucial as the team prepares for the upcoming season. The Bills, who last won AFL championships in 1964 and 1965, are eager to break their championship drought and achieve their first Super Bowl victory.
With numerous coaching changes across the league this offseason, April’s return to the NFL comes at a pivotal time. He is determined to leverage this opportunity to prove he has the skills necessary to ascend to a defensive coordinator position in the future. The Bills and their supporters are hopeful that this new chapter will lead to a successful campaign and ultimately to Super Bowl glory.