T.J. Watt’s former coach Karl Dunbar returns to Jets to fix broken pass rush

T.J. Watt’s former defensive line coach Karl Dunbar is back with the New York Jets, tasked with fixing a pass rush that ranked second-worst in the NFL last season.

Why Dunbar’s return matters for T.J. Watt

Dunbar spent eight years with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2018 to 2025, working alongside T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward. His arrival in New York marks a reunion with a coach who helped develop elite edge rushers. ESPN’s Rich Cimini called the hire the Jets’ most underrated move of the offseason, noting Dunbar’s track record in Pittsburgh.

What happened to the Jets’ pass rush last year

The Jets finished 2025 with just 26 sacks, second-lowest in the league behind the San Francisco 49ers. Their inability to pressure opposing quarterbacks forced a major overhaul this offseason. Aaron Glenn, now in his second season as head coach, brought Dunbar in to address the issue head-on.

How Dunbar plans to turn things around

Dunbar returns to New York with a reputation for maximizing defensive linemen. He’ll work with first-round pick David Bailey and trade acquisition T’Vondre Sweat to rebuild the front. The Jets also signed David Onyemata to bolster the rotation, giving Dunbar more talent to mold.

What’s next for the Jets in 2026

Glenn will take over defensive play-calling next season, a shift that could further unlock Dunbar’s potential. With Bailey and Sweat in the mix, the Jets hope to climb from the bottom of the league in sacks. The 2026 season looms as a make-or-break year for Glenn’s tenure.