As the New York Giants prepare for the 2026 season under head coach John Harbaugh, outside linebackers coach and run game coordinator Charlie Bullen stands out as an assistant poised for greater recognition.
Bullen, who stepped in as interim defensive coordinator late in the 2025 season following a midseason coaching change, quickly transformed the unit with a more aggressive approach that improved pressure, coverage, and overall performance.
His leadership helped revitalize key players, including elevating rookie linebacker Abdul Carter’s impact alongside standouts Brian Burns and Dexter Lawrence. Bullen interviewed for defensive coordinator positions with the Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, and Dallas Cowboys this offseason but chose to remain in New York, earning a contract extension and expanded responsibilities.
Accordingly, The Athletic has tabbed Bullen as an assistant coach who could break out in 2026.
John Harbaugh has always had an eye for coaching talent, and it speaks well of Bullen’s potential that he was retained from the previous coaching regime and even got an expanded role as run game coordinator. His position group already featured Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux; the team also drafted versatile defender Arvell Reese in the spring. Bullen will have every opportunity to show his impact on the defense.
With a talented defensive front and Harbaugh’s trust, Bullen enters the new campaign with the platform to demonstrate his schematic vision and player development skills on a broader stage. His steady rise could position him as a future defensive coordinator candidate while bolstering the Giants’ resurgence.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants’ Charlie Bullen named assistant coach who could break out in 2026
Reporting by Dan Benton, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Dan Benton, Giants Wire | USA TODAY Network
