Dunbar returns to the South. – Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The worst kept secret of the week has been confirmed.

Former Buffalo Bills Defensive Line Coach Karl Dunbar tweeted out his love for the Crimson Tide, confirming his hiring for the same position with Alabama. Dunbar returns to college football after ten years at the NFL level.

Originally from Plaisance, LA, Dunbar played his college ball at LSU, followed by a few stints in the NFL and WLAF.

Career history
As player:

As coach:

  • Nicholls State University (1998–1999) (Defensive line coach)
  • Louisiana State University (2000–2001) (Strength and conditioning coach)
  • Oklahoma State University (2002–2003) (Defensive line coach)
  • Chicago Bears (2004) (Defensive line coach)
  • Louisiana State University (2005) (Defensive line coach)
  • Minnesota Vikings (2006–2011) (Defensive line coach)
  • New York Jets (2012–2014) (Defensive line coach)
  • Buffalo Bills (2015) (Defensive line coach)

Dunbar’s last two stints have been under Rex Ryan. The 2014 Jets defense was fifth in the league in rushing defense, yielding 93.1 yards per game, and sixth in sacks with 45. In 2013, the Jets were the third stingiest against the run (88.3 ypg) and and 13th in sacks (41).

Despite only one season in Buffalo, Ryan made the unusual decision to let Dunbar go in mid-March. The timing of his release was a bit unfortunate for Dunbar seeing how most coaching changes had been completed by that point. However, a little serendipity has worked in his and Alabama’s favor.

Dunbar replaces former assistant Bo Davis who resigned amid NCAA scrutiny over recruiting violations.

As a Louisiana native, Dunbar will likely take over that territory in regards to recruiting, though his familiarity with the Empire State might help with recruiting in that emerging area as well.