Jets Hire Defensive Line Coach with Diverse Background

Karl Dunbar brings Louisiana roots, pro playing experience, and a history of developing young talent to the Jets coaching staff.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 12:55pm

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The New York Jets have hired Karl Dunbar as their new defensive line coach. Dunbar, a Louisiana native, has deep ties to the state and has coached at both the college and professional levels, including a previous stint with the Jets from 2012-2014. He is known for his ability to develop young defensive linemen, having helped guide the careers of players like Jared Allen, T.J. Watt, and Muhammad Wilkerson.

Why it matters

Dunbar's hiring represents an effort by the Jets to bolster their defensive line coaching, an area that has been a strength for the team in the past. His experience working with young talent could be particularly valuable as the Jets look to continue the development of their defensive line group.

The details

Dunbar was born in Opelousas, Louisiana and starred at LSU before being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1990, though he never played for them due to injury. He went on to have a brief NFL playing career with the Saints and Cardinals. After a stint as an undercover narcotics officer, Dunbar transitioned to coaching, working his way up from the high school level to top college programs like LSU and Oklahoma State before joining the NFL ranks with the Bears, Vikings, Jets, and Bills. His coaching superpower has been developing young defensive linemen, helping guide the careers of players like Jared Allen, T.J. Watt, and Muhammad Wilkerson.

  • Dunbar was born in 1967 in Opelousas, Louisiana.
  • He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 8th round of the 1990 NFL Draft.
  • Dunbar served as an undercover narcotics officer for the Opelousas Police Department in the mid-1990s.
  • He coached for the Jets from 2012-2014 under head coach Rex Ryan.
  • Dunbar was hired as the Jets' new defensive line coach in 2026.

The players

Karl Dunbar

A Louisiana native who starred at LSU before a brief NFL playing career. He has extensive coaching experience at both the college and professional levels, with a reputation for developing young defensive line talent.

Jared Allen

A former NFL defensive end who had a successful career, in part due to the coaching of Karl Dunbar.

T.J. Watt

A star defensive end for the Pittsburgh Steelers, whose development was aided by Dunbar during his time as a Steelers assistant coach.

Muhammad Wilkerson

A former first-round draft pick of the Jets, whose career was helped by Dunbar during his previous stint with the team from 2012-2014.

Aaron Glenn

The current head coach of the New York Jets, who hired Dunbar as the team's new defensive line coach.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.