.jpg) Bynes with theBaltimore Ravens in 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Seattle Seahawks | |||||||||||||||
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| Title | Defensive assistant/linebackers coach | ||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||
| Born | (1989-08-24)August 24, 1989 (age 36) Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, U.S. | ||||||||||||||
| Listed height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||||||||||||||
| Listed weight | 235 lb (107 kg) | ||||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||||
| High school | Boyd H. Anderson(Lauderdale Lakes, Florida) | ||||||||||||||
| College | Auburn | ||||||||||||||
| NFL draft | 2011: undrafted | ||||||||||||||
| Position | Linebacker, No. 49, 56, 57 | ||||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||||
Playing | |||||||||||||||
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* Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |||||||||||||||
Coaching | |||||||||||||||
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| Awards and highlights | |||||||||||||||
Playing
Coaching
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||||||
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Joshua Bynes (born August 24, 1989) is an American professionalfootball coach and formerlinebacker. He is currently the defensive assistant/linebackers coach for theSeattle Seahawks of theNational Football League (NFL). He was signed by theBaltimore Ravens as anundrafted free agent in 2011. He was also a member of theDetroit Lions,Arizona Cardinals,Cincinnati Bengals, andCarolina Panthers. He playedcollege football for theAuburn Tigers, where he was a key member oftheir 2010 national championship team.
Bynes grew up in Florida and went to college atAuburn, where he played college football. Bynes anchored the middle of the Auburn defense for three consecutive years, garnering Second-team All-SEC honors as a senior. As a senior, he recorded a team high 73 total tackles and helped lead Auburn to anational championship victory.
| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft1+5⁄8 in (1.87 m) | 240 lb (109 kg) | 31+5⁄8 in (0.80 m) | 9+5⁄8 in (0.24 m) | 4.81 s | 1.68 s | 2.77 s | 4.32 s | 7.11 s | 33.0 in (0.84 m) | 9 ft 8 in (2.95 m) | 21 reps | |
| All values from Auburn'sPro Day[1][2] | ||||||||||||
Bynes went undrafted in the2011 NFL draft. On July 28, 2011, theBaltimore Ravens signed Bynes to a three-year, $1.41 million contract as an undrafted free agent.[3]
Throughout training camp, Bynes competed for a roster spot as a backup linebacker and special teams player againstTavares Gooden,Jason Phillips, Anthony Leon, andChavis Williams.[4] Bynes received minimal playing time in the Ravens' first three preseason games. On September 1, 2011, Bynes received an opportunity to play in the Ravens' preseason finale and recorded six solo tackles and two sacks in their 21–7 victory at theAtlanta Falcons.[5] On September 3, 2011, the Baltimore Ravens released Bynes as part of their final roster cuts.[6]
“Yeah, Josh made a case for himself. He played very well. We have been impressed with him all through camp. He hasn’t had as many opportunities in games, but then last night he showed up.”[7]
Bynes received numerous tryouts, but did not receive any contract offers. On November 9, 2011, the Baltimore Ravens signed Bynes to their practice squad after linebackersRay Lewis andDannell Ellerbe sustained injuries.[6] On November 23, 2011, the Baltimore Ravens added Bynes to their active roster.[8] On November 24, 2011, Bynes made his professional regular season debut during a 16–6 victory against theSan Francisco 49ers in Week 12. On November 29, 2011, the Baltimore Ravens officially released Bynes after Ray Lewis recovered from his toe injury and re-signed him to their practice squad.[6][9] On January 14, 2012, the Baltimore Ravens added Bynes to their active roster, but did not activate him for any games during the playoffs.[10]
On April 16, 2012, the Baltimore Ravens signed Bynes to a one-year, $390,000 exclusive rights tender.[3] During training camp, Bynes was expected to compete for a roster spot as a backup inside linebacker againstBrendon Ayanbadejo,Ricky Brown,Darryl Blackstock, andNigel Carr. Bynes sustained a crackedvertebrae during the beginning of training camp during a goal line scrimmage and was expected to miss four or five weeks.[11]
On October 17, 2012, the Ravens added Bynes to the active roster afterRay Lewis tore histriceps and was placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the regular season. Upon joining the active roster, Bynes was named a backup inside linebacker behindDannell Ellerbe andJameel McClain.[12]
On December 16, 2012, Bynes earned his first career start and recorded a season-high 13 combined tackles (11 solo) and deflected a pass during a 34–17 loss to theDenver Broncos in Week 15. Bynes was named the starting inside linebacker after Jameel McClain suffered aspinal cord contusion during the Ravens' Week 14.[13][14] Bynes finished the2012 season with 34 combined tackles (19 solo) and a pass deflection in ten games and three starts.[15]
TheRavens finished first in theAFC North with a 10–6 record. On January 6, 2013, Bynes appeared in his first career playoff game during a 24–9 win against theIndianapolis Colts in the AFC Wildcard Game. The Baltimore Ravens reached Super Bowl XLVII after they defeated the Denver Broncos 38–35 in the AFC Divisional Round and theNew England Patriots 28–13 in the AFC Championship Game. On February 3, 2013, Bynes recorded one tackle as the Ravens defeated theSan Francisco 49ers 34–31 inSuper Bowl XLVII. Bynes tackledTed Ginn Jr. after afree kick in the final seconds of the game to clinch the Ravens' 34–31 victory.[16]
On April 22, 2013, the Baltimore Ravens signed Bynes to a one-year, $480,000 exclusive rights tender.[17] Bynes entered training camp slated as a starting inside linebacker after Ray Lewis announced his retirement and Dannell Ellerbe departed in free agency. He saw competition for the role fromArthur Brown.[18][19]Head coachJohn Harbaugh named Bynes a starting inside linebacker to start the regular season, alongsideDaryl Smith and outside linebackersElvis Dumervil andTerrell Suggs.[20]
In Week 4, he collected a season-high nine combined tackles during a 23–20 loss at theBuffalo Bills. Bynes was inactive for the Ravens' Week 7 loss at thePittsburgh Steelers due to thigh injury and infection in his finger.[21] He was subsequently replaced byJameel McClain and lost his starting position to him during his absence.[22] He finished the season with 45 combined tackles (22 solo) and three pass deflections in 15 games and six starts.[15]
On March 11, 2014, the Baltimore Ravens placed a one-year, $570,000 exclusive rights tender on Bynes for the2014 NFL season. On April 18, 2014, Bynes signed his exclusive rights tender with the Baltimore Ravens.[9]
Bynes entered training camp as a backup inside linebacker after the Ravens draftedC. J. Mosley in the first round of the2014 NFL draft. Bynes competed for job ats a backup inside linebacker againstAlbert McClellan and Arthur Brown.[23] On September 2, 2014, the Baltimore Ravens waived Bynes as part of their final roster cuts.[24] On September 4, 2014, the Baltimore Ravens signed Bynes to their practice squad.[25]
On September 22, 2014, Bynes was signed off of the Ravens' practice squad onto the Lions' active roster following injuries.[26] Bynes was reunited with Detroit Lions' head coachJim Caldwell who was previously the offensive coordinator with the Baltimore Ravens. He was subsequently named a backup outside linebacker behindAshlee Palmer andDeAndre Levy.[27] On November 16, 2014, Bynes collected a season-high four combined tackles and made his first career interception off a pass by Cardinals' quarterbackDrew Stanton during a 14–6 loss at theArizona Cardinals in Week 11. He finished the2014 NFL season with 22 combined tackles (18 solo), a pass deflection, and an interception in 13 games and zero starts.[15]
On March 10, 2015, the Detroit Lions re-signed Bynes to a two-year, $1.81 million contract that includes asigning bonus of $250,000.[28][29] Throughout training camp, Bynes competed to be a starting outside linebacker againstTahir Whitehead and rookieKyle Van Noy.[30][31] Head coach Jim Caldwell named Bynes a starting outside linebacker to start the 2015 regular season afterDeAndre Levy sustained a hip injury during practice.[32] He started alongside Tahir Whitehead and middle linebackerStephen Tulloch.[33] In Week 6, he collected a season-high 11 combined tackles (nine solo) during a 37–34 win against theChicago Bears. Bynes finished the 2015 season with a career-high 82 combined tackles (56 solo), five pass deflections, and was credited with half a sack in 16 games and 11 starts.[15][34]
Bynes entered training camp slated as a backup linebacker after DeAndre Levy returned from his injury. On August 18, 2016, Bynes sustained a knee injury during the Lions' 30–14 loss to theCincinnati Bengals in their second preseason game. On September 4, 2016, the Detroit Lions placed Bynes on injured reserve due to his knee injury.[35] On September 10, 2016, the Detroit Lions officially released Bynes after they agreed to an injury settlement.[36][37]
On October 25, 2016, the Detroit Lions signed Bynes after they traded Kyle Van Noy to theNew England Patriots.[38] Head coach Jim Caldwell named Bynes a starting outside linebacker. On December 4, 2016, he collected a season-high eight combined tackles (five solo) and broke up a pass during a 28–13 win at theNew Orleans Saints.[39] He finished the2016 NFL season with 38 combined tackles (26 solo) and four pass deflections in nine games and eight starts.[15]
TheDetroit Lions finished second in theNFC North with a 9–7 record and earned a Wild Card berth On January 7, 2017, Bynes started in his first career playoff game and recorded seven combined tackles in their 26–6 loss at theSeattle Seahawks in the NFC Wild Card Round.[39]
On August 5, 2017, theArizona Cardinals signed Bynes to a one-year, $775,000 contract at the league's veteran minimum.[40] Throughout training camp, Bynes competed for a job as a starting inside linebacker againstHaason Reddick,Scooby Wright,Zaviar Gooden, andPhilip Wheeler.[41] Head coachBruce Arians named Bynes a backup inside linebacker to begin the regular season in 2017, behindDeone Bucannon andKarlos Dansby.[42]
On November 25, 2017, Bynes collected a season-high nine combined tackles in the Cardinals' 27–24 victory against theJacksonville Jaguars in Week 12. The following week, he tied his season-high of eight solo tackles during a 32–16 loss to theLos Angeles Rams. On December 10, 2017, Bynes recorded a solo tackle, deflected a pass, and made his first career interception in the Cardinals' 12–7 win against theTennessee Titans in Week 14. Bynes made his second career interception off a pass attempt by Titans' quarterbackMarcus Mariota, that was originally intended for tight endDelanie Walker, and returned it for a 25-yard gain in the fourth quarter.[43] On December 17, 2017, Bynes recorded two tackles before exiting in the fourth quarter of the Cardinals' 20–15 loss at theWashington Redskins due to an ankle injury. He was inactive for the next two games (Weeks 16–17) due to a sprained ankle.[44] He finished the2017 NFL season with 36 combined tackles (31 solo), three pass deflections, one interception, and a sack in 14 games and one start.[15]
On March 13, 2018, the Arizona Cardinals signed Bynes to a three-year, $5.57 million contract that includes $1.25 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $1 million.[3][45]
The Arizona Cardinals opted to change their base defense from a3-4 defense to a4-3 defense. Bynes entered training camp slated as the starting middle linebacker, but saw minor competition for the role fromScooby Wright.[46] Head coach Steve Wilks named Bynes the starting middle linebacker to begin the season, alongside outside linebackers Haasan Reddick and Deone Bucannon.[47]
He started in theArizona Cardinals' season-opener against theWashington Redskins and recorded 11 combined tackles (eight solo) in their 24–6 loss.[48] He started 11 games before suffering a thumb injury in Week 12. He was placed on injured reserve on November 26, 2018.[49]
On March 5, 2019, Bynes was released by the Cardinals.[50]
On October 2, 2019, Bynes was signed by the Ravens.[51]Four days later, during a week 5 game against thePittsburgh Steelers, Bynes intercepted a pass thrown by running backJaylen Samuels in the 26–23 win.[52]
On March 25, 2020, theCincinnati Bengals signed Bynes to a one-year contract.[53][54] He started all 16 games in 2020, recording a career-high 99 tackles, 1.0 sack, and two passes defensed.
On August 11, 2021, Bynes was signed by theCarolina Panthers.[55] On August 31, 2021, Bynes was released by the Panthers during final roster cuts.[56]
One day after being released by the Panthers, Bynes signed with the Ravens' practice squad. On September 28, 2021, Bynes was promoted to the active roster.[57]
On April 8, 2022, the Ravens re-signed Bynes to a one-year contract.[58] He was named a starting inside linebacker alongsidePatrick Queen. He started the first seven games, but lost his starting job after the acquisition ofRoquan Smith. He was a healthy scratch the next seven games before being released on December 23, 2022.[59] He was re-signed to the practice squad on December 27.[60] His practice squad contract with the team expired after the season on January 15, 2023.
On December 8, 2023, Bynes signed a one day contract to officially retire a member of the Baltimore Ravens.[61]
 | This section needs to beupdated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information.(December 2023) |
| Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Interceptions | Fumbles | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | GS | Comb | Solo | Ast | Sack | Sfty | Int | Yds | Lng | TD | PD | FF | FR | Yds | TD | ||
| 2011 | BAL | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 | BAL | 10 | 3 | 34 | 19 | 15 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 | BAL | 15 | 6 | 45 | 22 | 23 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | DET | 13 | 0 | 22 | 18 | 4 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | 17 | 17 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | DET | 16 | 11 | 82 | 56 | 26 | 0.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | DET | 9 | 8 | 38 | 26 | 12 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | ARI | 14 | 1 | 36 | 31 | 5 | 1.0 | 0 | 1 | 25 | 25 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | ARI | 11 | 11 | 75 | 52 | 23 | 2.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 23 | 1 |
| 2019 | BAL | 12 | 7 | 46 | 23 | 23 | 1.0 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | CIN | 16 | 16 | 99 | 53 | 46 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | BAL | 14 | 12 | 76 | 50 | 26 | 2.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 131 | 75 | 553 | 350 | 203 | 7.5 | 0 | 4 | 49 | 25 | 0 | 32 | 3 | 3 | 23 | 1 | |
In February 2024, theSeattle Seahawks announced the hiring of Bynes as their defensive assistant/linebackers coach as part of head coachMike Macdonald's initial coaching staff.[62] Bynes previously played under Macdonald during both their time with Ravens. He was part of the coaching staff that won Super Bowl LX over the New England Patriots 29–13.[63]
