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It's being reported by Manish Mehta, Jenny Vrentas, and others that Karl Dunbar will be hired as the new defensive line coach. Dunbar has served for the past six years as the line coach for the Minnesota Vikings. Manish had this to say about Dunbar:
Dunbar helped build one of the most stout run defenses in the league over the past several years. Anchored by the famed "Williams Wall" of Pat Williams and Kevin Williams, the Vikings lead the league in rush defense from 2006-08 and ranked second in 2009. Dunbar also coached perennial Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen. The Vikings ranked in the Top 10 in total defense from 2008-2010.
It is also being reported that Mark Carrier, the current line coach, may be reassigned to another part of the team.
I believe this is a solid hire. Carrier was no doubt a good coach, bringing Mike Devito and Sione Pouha from obscurity into dependably starters, and coaching Muhammad Wilkerson into Shaun Ellis' replacement. However, as good as our line has been historically with stopping the run (there are a few notable exceptions this past season), there hasn't been much pass rush. Hopefully Dunbar will able to coach the guys well enough that we can get some production from them in that respect. Also, Dunbar is used to coaching a 4-3 defense, so perhaps we might see more of that, as some GGNers have spoken about.
In any case, please let us know what you think in the comments below.