Indianapolis, Ind. (WGR Sports Radio 550/WBEN) - For the first time since reports surfaced over the last couple of weeks, the Buffalo Bills confirmed on Monday they have moved on from special teams coordinator Matthew Smiley, as well as head strength and conditioning coach Eric Ciano.
Head coach Sean McDermott confirmed both moves while speaking with reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine on Monday afternoon in Indianapolis.
Taking over as the new special teams coordinator is longtime special teams coordinator Chris Tabor.
Tabor did not coach in 2024 after serving as the Carolina Panthers' special teams coordinator, and later interim head coach for the final six games of the 2023 season. Tabor led the Panthers to a 1-5 record in that span.
McDermott also confirmed the additions of new senior defensive assistant Ryan Nielsen and new nickel defensive backs coach Mike Pellegrino, who comes over from the New England Patriots.
Pellegrino replaces Scott Booker, who, coincidentally, is now a member of the Patriots' coaching staff.
McDermott says the team is still in the process of finding a new head strength and conditioning coach.
Separately, the team has also announced that Jason Rebrovich, a native of Clarence and a Clarence High School graduate, has been hired as their new assistant defensive line coach, replacing Matt Edwards.
Some other interesting notes from Monday's media session included McDermott talking for the first time since Josh Allen won the NFL‘s MVP award, and his remarks on wide receiver Keon Coleman‘s first season.
