Entering the 2026 season, coaching was a massive question mark for the New York Jets, especially head coach Aaron Glenn. However, a few coaches at certain positions inspired confidence.
While Aaron Glenn’s struggles have persisted and nearly reached a point of no return, the coaches on his staff haven’t inspired much confidence, either.
Two particular assistants are atop the list of coaches whose units have underwhelmed this season.
Do these Jets assistant coaches deserve flak?
Regardless of the Jets’ record this season, one of the few things Gang Green was supposed to be strong at was trench play, both on offense and defense.
The Jets’ defensive line hasn’t lived up to expectations after an offseason loaded with investments. The unit is led by highly respected defensive line coach Karl Dunbar, a new hire this season after a successful eight-year run with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2018-25).
Pass-rushing-wise, the Jets are tied for eighth in sacks (19), but that number is carried by a killer eight-sack outing in Week 5, the most among any team in a game this season. Outside of that, the Jets have only 11 sacks, an average of under two per game.
New York is also just 23rd in quarterback hits per game (5.0).
The consistency just hasn’t been there. New York’s lack of a steady pass rush has burned them in multiple games this season, giving opposing quarterbacks too much time to make plays. The Jets’ secondary has been strong for much of the season, but the inconsistent pass rush has pretty much negated it.
Meanwhile, the run defense has been just as poor. Our own Robby Sabo picked up on it in August’s training camp practices, and it only took a few weeks into the season for the front seven to show its vulnerabilities in that area. Over the past five games, the Jets are allowing a league-worst 9.2 rushing first downs per game.
Against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, the Jets were gashed by Ollie Gordon II, who rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown on 25 attempts. Despite missing their top playmaker, De’Von Achane, the Jets’ struggles made his absence irrelevant.
Of course, the question is how to split the blame between poor execution, play-calling, and the position coach. Ultimately, we will never know the full answer.
Dunbar was arguably the Jets’ most impressive hire this offseason. Given that, coupled with the team’s many additions to the unit, the group was expected to be much more serviceable this season.
The same dilemma applies to Steve Heiden, New York’s offensive line coach, who was one of the few assistants brought back for a second season. How much of the unit’s struggles are on him versus execution?
There is a legitimate debate to be had about whether the Jets’ high sack total (21, fifth-most) and pressure rate are more due to Geno Smith holding onto the ball too long or the offensive line allowing pass rushers into the backfield too quickly. Ultimately, both are factors.
Still, the offensive line’s consistent inability to identify stunts and unique blitzes (especially at critical junctures of games) is a concern, and it could trace back to coaching and the schemes being implemented in that area.
The players aren’t absolved of blame. Joe Tippmann has really struggled recently alongside Josh Myers, while Armand Membou and Olu Fashanu have had their fair share of rough outings. Dylan Parham has missed the past four games due to injury, and Jordan Meredith hasn’t been a reliable backup option.
At the end of the day, two things can be true. The schemes could be lacking, but the execution could also be less than ideal.
Altogether, Dunbar’s and Heiden’s units have each fallen short of expectations, so it’s fair to expect more of both the players and the coaches.
