NFL’s stingiest defense adds Mark Carrier to coaching staff
The Jets have hired Mark Carrier as their new defensive line coach. He arrives by way of Baltimore, where he spent the last four seasons preparing defensive backs for opposing offenses. The change of location establishes a reunion between himself and Rex Ryan along the Hudson River.
Carrier had an 11-year NFL career, which earned him defensive rookie of the year honors in 1990, and three Pro Bowl appearances. He was a three year starter for Larry Smith’s Trojans, and continues to stand alone as the only USC player ever to win the Thorpe Award.
He entered the coaching circle in 2004, developing defensive backs for Arizona State, before moving to the NFL in 2006. With aspirations of becoming a defensive coordinator, he’s now accepts the challenge of coaching the big bodies in the trenches.
The 2009 Jets ranked in the top-10 of every defensive category, including allowing an NFL low 14.8 points per game. Kerry Locklin coached the defensive line before leaving the staff in November. Carrier now receives the assignment.
