The New York Jets have brought back a Rex Ryan favorite.
Gang Green announced on social media that they have hired Karl Dunbar as defensive line coach.
This is a reunion for Dunbar, who held this same role with the Jets from 2012-14 under the leadership of Rex Ryan.
Dunbar was also with Rex Ryan when he became the head coach of the Buffalo Bills in 2015.
Dunbar’s Journey in Coaching
Most recently, Dunbar, 58, has served as the defensive line coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers over the last eight seasons.
Before Dunbar got into coaching he played in the league. The veteran defensive end was the No. 209 overall pick in the eighth round in 1990. Over a span of six years from 1990 through 1996, Dunbar spent time in the NFL, World League of American Football, NFL Europe, and the CFL.
He has been coaching football since 1998. During those 28 years, 26 of them have been spent as a defensive line coach. His brief sabbatical as a strength and conditioning coach for two seasons with LSU was the only exception.
Top Social Media Reactions to Dunbar Being Brought Back
“back in green and white 🤝,” the Jets official X account posted.
“Dunbar did an excellent job in Pittsburgh. Their DL was always consistent. Strong hire for Jets,” beat reporter Nick Faria of Jets X-Factor posted.
“Jets hired Karl Dunbar as their new defensive line coach. Has been the Steelers DL coach for the last 8 years. Was with the Jets under Rex Ryan from 12-14. Feels like a good get for them… needed an upgrade at DL coach in a big way,” NFL analyst Will Parkinson said.
Feels like a good get for them… needed an upgrade at DL coach in a big way
“Feels more and more like the Jets will be a base 3-4 team in 2026,” Parkinson added.
“Defensive Line Performance under new Jets DL Coach Karl Dunbar: Vikings 2006–2011 = NFL #1 rush defense (2006–08); elite run-stopping unit. Jets 2012–2014 = Rush defense top-5 in league both seasons. Bills 2015 = Average/middle of the road run defense. Steelers 2018–2025 = Long tenure with mixed results: some strong fronts but overall inconsistent run defense. ** All these defenses hold one common thread – all odd man fronts **,” NFL draft analyst Dom C. posted.
“may be moving to a 3-4 base? 👀,” Dom C. added.
“A return to Jets for Dunbar, who played a key role in developing Mo Wilkerson, Snacks Harrison, & Sheldon Richardson into one of NFL’s top interior defensive lines. @LegerDouzable became a nice rotation piece on the DL under Dunbar as well. Nice to see him back in NY under AG,” Scott Mason of “Play Like A Jet” posted.
Expect a Flurry of Hires Here for the Jets in Short Order
Now that the Jets have locked in their remaining coordinators with the hiring of Frank Reich and Brian Duker, it’s time to get to work.
The green and white now can and will start to fill out the remaining holes on the offensive and defensive coaching staff. Whoever the respective cooridator hires was going to have a say in what assistants worked under and with them.
Now the Jets can quickly finish their staff ahead of the annual NFL scouting combine in February and free agency in March.
Jets Hire Rex Ryan Disciple, Reunite With Longtime Coach