The Buffalo Bills have announced the hiring of Bobby April III as their new outside linebackers coach. This comes after April’s recent tenure at Stanford University, where he served as the defensive coordinator. His return to the NFL follows a brief stint at the University of Minnesota, where he worked as the rush ends coach.
April’s appointment is significant as it marks his second tenure with the Bills. He previously worked with the franchise from 2015 to 2016 under former head coach Rex Ryan. During that time, he was responsible for coaching the linebackers. April’s extensive coaching experience also includes roles with the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Jets.
Coaching Background and Transition
April’s career has been marked by a variety of coaching positions at both the collegiate and professional levels. He was Stanford’s defensive coordinator from 2023 to 2025 under head coaches Troy Taylor and Frank Reich. However, new head coach Tavita Pritchard opted not to retain him for the upcoming season.
The hiring of April III comes shortly after the Bills appointed Jim Leonhard as their defensive coordinator. Leonhard and April previously collaborated at the University of Wisconsin from 2018 to 2022, where April coached the outside linebackers while Leonhard oversaw the defense as the defensive coordinator.
April’s NFL journey began in 2011 as a defensive quality control coach for the Eagles. He moved on to the Jets, where he held various roles, including head linebackers coach. After his two-season stint with the Bills, he transitioned to college coaching for eight years before returning to the NFL.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
The timing of April’s return to the NFL coincides with a season marked by numerous coaching changes across the league. His goal for the 2026 season is to demonstrate his capabilities to ascend to a defensive coordinator role in the future. The Bills, who have achieved considerable success in recent regular seasons, are eager to break through and secure their first Super Bowl victory.
Historically, the Bills have not won a Super Bowl since their two AFL titles in 1964 and 1965. The pressure is on for April and the coaching staff to elevate the franchise to new heights. The combination of April’s experience and the Bills’ aspirations for success sets the stage for an intriguing season ahead, as they strive for their first championship in the modern era.
