After an offseason filled with questions and turnover, the New York Jets are finally starting to put the pieces together. The team has filled its two biggest coaching vacancies, hiring Frank Reich to run the offense and bringing in Brian Duker on defense, where Aaron Glenn will handle play-calling duties. But that’s just the beginning of what’s shaping up to be a significant coaching overhaul in Florham Park.
One of the more interesting moves came on the defensive side of the ball, where the Jets parted ways with defensive line coach Eric Washington after just one season. In his place, they’ve turned to a familiar face: Karl Dunbar. Jets fans will remember Dunbar from his time on Rex Ryan’s staff between 2012 and 2014, and his return brings more than just nostalgia-it brings experience, scheme versatility, and potentially a glimpse into the team’s draft strategy.
Why Karl Dunbar’s Return Could Signal a Defensive Shift
Dunbar’s coaching résumé is loaded with experience in both 4-3 and 3-4 fronts, but he’s particularly well-versed in the 3-4 scheme. That’s notable given that Brian Duker, who spent the last two seasons with the Dolphins, also has a background in 3-4 defenses. While the Jets did sprinkle in some 3-4 looks last season, they were still primarily operating out of a 4-3 base under Steve Wilks-a season that, frankly, didn’t go well.
Now, with a new staff in place and a top draft pick in hand, all signs point to a potential full-time shift to the 3-4. That’s not just a schematic change-it’s a philosophical one. It also gives us a clue about what the Jets might be thinking with the No. 2 overall pick in April’s draft.
Draft Implications: Arvell Reese vs. Rueben Bain Jr.
Two names have emerged as top targets for the Jets at No. 2: Arvell Reese and Rueben Bain Jr. Both are high-impact defenders with serious pass-rushing upside, but their fits in a 3-4 system are very different.
Let’s start with Bain. The Miami standout has been a force in a 4-3 setup, showing the kind of versatility that allows him to play both on the edge and kick inside when needed.
But in a 3-4 scheme, where edge defenders are typically asked to stand up and drop into coverage or rush from wider angles, Bain’s skill set doesn’t translate quite as cleanly. He’s a talented player, no doubt-but he may not be the best fit for where this Jets defense is headed.
Reese, on the other hand, checks all the boxes. The Ohio State linebacker is built for the 3-4. He’s a natural fit as a stand-up outside linebacker who can pin his ears back and go after the quarterback but still hold his own in run support.
And the numbers back it up. In 2025, Reese racked up 69 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and 27 pressures.
That’s not just production-that’s impact. He wasn’t just a pass-rush specialist, either.
Reese earned an 87.0 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus, showing he’s more than capable of holding the edge and making plays in the trenches.
At 20 years old, Reese already has the size, strength, and motor to step into an NFL defense and contribute from Day 1. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t just fit a scheme-he elevates it.
Big Decisions Ahead in Florham Park
The Jets have no shortage of needs heading into the draft. This is a roster that still has holes on both sides of the ball, and with the No. 2 pick, they’ll have a chance to land a foundational piece. But if the coaching hires are any indication, the front office may be leaning toward a defensive identity shift-and Arvell Reese could be at the center of it.
With Dunbar back in the building, a new-look defensive staff in place, and a top-tier edge prospect who fits the scheme like a glove, the Jets may finally be charting a clear course forward. Whether that leads to wins in 2026 remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: change is coming to the green and white.