Joining the staff in February 2026 as the linebackers coach, Ben Bolling brings 10 seasons of coaching experience to the New York Jets, the last five in the NFL with Houston, where he was a part of a pair of top-six ranked total defenses each of the last two seasons, including the lLeague's number one ranked defense in 2025.

As the assistant linebackers coach in Houston (2025), Bolling was part of a staff that generated the NFL's top-ranked total defense, limiting opposing offenses to 277.2 yards per game–the third-lowest average allowed by any team over the last five seasons (since 2021). The defense also posted top-three ranks in points allowed per game, interceptions, opponent passer rating, and opponent completion percentage. Inside linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair earned his first Pro Bowl nod after leading the team with 103 tackles, a career-high nine passes defensed, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.

Bolling began his NFL career with Houston as a defensive assistant (2021-24). In 2024, the Texans ranked sixth in total defense (315.0), limiting opponent passers to a league-low 58.8% completion percentage and finishing the year with 49.0 sacks, the then most in franchise history. He helped linebacker Henry To'oTo'o record single-season bests in every category, leading the team with 104 tackles.

In 2023, Bolling helped contribute to a significant year-over-year transformation for the Texans defense, allowing the sixth-fewest rushing yards per game (96.6) after ranking last in the same category the season prior, in addition to posting the second-most tackles for loss in the lLeague (105).

In his first two seasons in Houston (2021-22), the Texans generated 47 takeaways, tied for the seventh most in the league in that span. He was part of a 2022 defense that saw rookie safety Jalen Pitre register a team-high 147 tackles-the sixth most by a rookie since 1991.

Before joining the staff in Houston, Bolling spent five seasons serving in various roles at his alma mater, Campbell (2016-20), culminating as the wide receivers coach/offensive recruiting coordinator (2019-20). In just his first year in the role (2019), Bolling guided two underclassmen receivers to all-conference honors, with the tandem combining for over 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Bolling spent his first three seasons at Campbell on the defensive side, spending his first season as a defensive quality control coach (2016) before being elevated to safeties coach (2017-18). In Bolling's final season coaching safeties (2018), Campbell led the FCS in passing yards allowed (122.5), in addition to posting top 25 ranks in defensive pass efficiency, red zone defense, scoring defense, and total defense. Campbell also established a program-record 19 takeaways in just his first season coaching safeties (2017).

A wide receiver at Campbell (2012-15), Bolling finished his college career as the program's all-time leader in receptions (100) and receiving yards (1,329), also tying the record for receiving touchdowns (eight). He graduated in 2015 with a degree in exercise and sports science, and is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

A native of Richmond, VA, Bolling and his wife, Tayler, have a daughter, Kaja Rose.

FLIGHT PATH

New York Jets 2026-Present

Linebackers 2026-Present

Houston Texans 2021-25

Assistant Linebackers 2021-25

Defensive Assistant 2021-24

Campbell University 2016-20

Wide Receivers/Offensive Recruiting Coordinator 2019-20

Safeties 2017-18

Defensive Quality Control 2016