Jets Seek Changes in Coaching Staff
The New York Jets are in the market for a new defensive coordinator. But, there’s speculation that they might also be looking for a fresh offensive play-caller.
Head coach Aaron Glenn is contemplating the addition of a seasoned offensive coach to his team. Reports indicate that he could possibly replace Tanner Engstrand, the current offensive coordinator, in that role. As of now, nothing is finalized, but Glenn is weighing all possibilities to strengthen his coaching team following a lackluster 3-14 season in 2025, which was his inaugural year.
While Engstrand is likely to stay on the coaching staff, he might continue as a play-caller.
However, if Glenn decides to take a different route with the play-calling, he will face some procedural hurdles. According to the NFL’s “Rooney Rule,” he would need to interview at least two outside minority candidates before making any hires.
It’s already mid-January, and the hiring process is progressing quickly.
Glenn might opt to keep Engstrand in the play-calling role but bring in an experienced coach to assist him, much like former Jets coach Robert Saleh did with his offensive coordinators.
Sources say the Jets have already considered veteran coach Frank Reich, who spent last season as the interim head coach at Stanford and previously coached the Colts and Panthers.
Last season marked Engstrand’s first time calling plays at the NFL level, having joined the Jets from the Lions, where he was the passing game coordinator. Unfortunately, Engstrand’s offensive statistics for 2025 weren’t impressive. However, it’s unclear how much blame he should shoulder, given the poor performance of the quarterbacks. The Jets ranked 29th in both total yards and points per game, despite sitting 10th in rushing yards.
The Jets scored 30 points in just two games all season. The closing stretch of the year was particularly grim, with rookie quarterback Brady Cook leading the offense to scores of 10 or fewer points in the final three games.
Engstrand had to juggle three different starting quarterbacks: Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and Cook. The team had high hopes for Fields, but he faced challenges and was benched in November. Compounding matters, the Jets were without their top wide receiver, Garrett Wilson, for much of the season due to a knee injury that limited him to seven games.
Glenn’s coaching staff is being radically reshaped after just one year. In December, he let go of defensive coordinator Steve Wilkes and is actively interviewing candidates to fill that position. Recently, he also parted ways with several other coaching staff members, including quarterbacks coach Charles London and passing game coordinator Scott Turner.
