Bolling spent the last five seasons with the Houston Texans, four as a defensive assistant and most recently as assistant linebackers coach. Houston finished the 2025 season with the NFL’s No. 1 defense, ranking first in total net yards per game (277.2) and second in takeaways (29).
In a Jets press release, senior Jets reporter Eric Allen detailed Bolling’s coaching path: he began at Campbell University as a defensive assistant/safeties coach (2016-18) before shifting to wide receivers coach and offensive recruiting coordinator (2019-20). Bolling played wide receiver at Campbell, redshirting in 2011, and produced 100 receptions for 1,329 yards and 8 TDs in 44 games from 2011-15. He hails from North Carolina and played multiple sports in high school.
The Jets also announced Collin Bauer as a defensive assistant, Ronald Booker as a defensive assistant and nickel coach, and Ryan Slowik as safeties coach (Slowik is the brother of Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik). The collective group is aimed at strengthening a defensive backbone around head coach and staff.
NFL analyst Will Parkinson described the additions as a substantial upgrade for New York’s defense, labeling Karl Dunbar and Bolling as especially exciting hires and suggesting the improvement could be meaningful for the unit in 2026.
This development marks the Jets’ publicization of their defensive staff on February 12, 2026, with more details expected as the full staff readiness unfolds. The move underscores a clear intent to elevate the defense by bringing in coaches with proven track records from top-performing units.
