Alabama defensive line coach Karl Dunbar has been hired to coach the same position for the Pittsburgh Steelers, it was announced on Thursday.
Dunbar departs Tuscaloosa after coaching the defensive line for two seasons. Dunbar had spent most of his coaching career in the NFL, working for the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets and Buffalo Bills before coming to Alabama.
“It’s awesome to be back,” Dunbar said in a news release. “This team drafted me out of college. Just to be back and the nostalgia of Pittsburgh, the mystic of Pittsburgh, the workman’s mentality. Hopefully I can bring that to the team.
“Having the relationship with Mike (Tomlin) and some of the coaches on the staff. Knowing Coach (John) Mitchell, who was a coach at LSU when I played. A lot of things he did, I do. I will lean on him to help me get to know the guys in the defensive line room and hopefully make it a great transition.”
Dunbar is the fourth assistant coach to depart Alabama this offeseason. Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt and defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley have all accepted other positions. Dunbar’s departure means that outside linebackers coach Tosh Lupoi is the only holdover from the 2017 staff on defense.
Dunbar helped Jonathan Allen and Dalvin Tomlinson become first and second round picks in last year’s draft, respectively. Defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne and defensive end Da’Shawn Hand are projected to be drafted this spring.
Alabama led the nation in scoring defense in 2016 and 2017. It also led the nation in rushing defense both seasons. The Crimson Tide defense posted 54 sacks in 2016 and 40 in 2017 as Alabama went 27-2 with one national championship.
The announcement comes one day after National Signing Day.
