Babich was the head football coach at North Dakota State University from 1997 to 2002, compiling a career record of 46–22.
[5] He held that position for two years until moving on to the University of Pittsburgh, serving as linebackers coach under Johnny Majors.
[7] Babich entered the professional ranks in 2003 with the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League, serving as the team's linebackers coach.
The next year, Rams defensive coordinator Lovie Smith was named head coach of the Chicago Bears and took Babich with him.
After coaching linebackers during his first three years, he took over the role of defensive coordinator in February 2007, when the Bears decided not to renew the contract of Ron Rivera.