Jets coaching staff addition could hint at team's 2026 NFL Draft plans

After a long search, the New York Jets have finally found their new offensive and defensive coordinators. Frank Reich will take over on offense while Brian Duker joins the defense, with Aaron Glenn calling plays.

Glenn and the Jets have also made major changes to the assistant coaches on the staff. After moving on from various coaches on both sides of the football, New York has begun to fill the openings.

One of the openings came after Eric Washington was relieved of his duties as the defensive line coach after just one season with the team. To replace Washington, the Jets hired Karl Dunbar, who is a familiar name for Jets fans.

In Dunbar's long and successful coaching career, one of his many stops came in Florham Park, where the veteran coach was part of Rex Ryan's staff from 2012-2014. Dunbar is a smart hire who brings experience, which could signal a big change to the Jets' defense in 2026.

Karl Dunbar hire could hint at Jets' first-round draft plan

For a while, the Jets have run a base 4-3 defense, but after last season and the recent coaching staff changes, that could be changing. Karl Dunbar has a history of working in 3-4 defensive schemes, and Brian Duker also comes from a 3-4 defense that was run during his two years with the Dolphins.

Despite the Jets mixing in some 3-4 packages last season, they were still primarily running a 4-3 defense during what was a disastrous season with Steve Wilks. Switching to a full-time 3-4 defense in 2026 could signal what the Jets want to do with the number two overall pick.

With no Dante Moore, all signs have pointed to the green & white bolstering their defense with Arvell Reese and Rueben Bain Jr. being the hottest names. Both are very intriguing prospects who would provide much-needed juice to the Jets' pass rush.

Bain, however, doesn't match where the Jets are headed schematically on defense. The Miami pass rusher comes from a 4-3 defensive background, where he can play outside or kick inside. In a 3-4 scheme, his strengths don't fit very well.

As for Arvell Reese, it is a different story. Reese, as stand up outside linebacker who can rush the quarterback, would fit into a 3-4 scheme.

The 2025 season was a big one for Reese. The Ohio State linebacker finished the season with 69 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and 27 pressures.

Reese wasn't just productive getting home to the quarterback; the 20-year-old was also strong against the run. Reese finished the 2025 campaign with an 87.0 Pro Football Focus run defense grade.

Reese's size, frame, and physicality are NFL-ready. His ability to get home to the quarterback and remain stout against the run makes him a well-rounded prospect.

The Jets will have plenty of big decisions to make when April rolls around, as the team has many holes that need to be filled. Reese, though, would be a very good start to the draft for the Jets, especially with a scheme change seemingly on the horizon.