After a disastrous 3-14 debut season, New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn has already made several changes to his coaching staff.
Beyond the seven firings across his staff, the most intriguing element of the Jets’ latest news dump centers on offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand and what his role with the team will look like in 2026.
NFL insider Aaron Wilson of KRPC2, who broke the news of Gang Green’s surplus of firings, stated that the “role, responsibilities, [and] structure” of the Jets’ offense were expected to change.
Now, according to SNY’s Connor Hughes, Engstrand is not expected to call plays in 2026. “While the Jets are still determining his role, a new play caller is expected to be added to the staff,” Hughes wrote.
Hughes also added that longtime NFL coach Frank Reich is “among the names linked to the Jets as they search for a veteran play caller to add to their staff.”
While the Jets’ offense fell short of expectations in Engstrand’s first season, context matters. He was tasked with navigating a revolving door at quarterback, operating with Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and Brady Cook, none of whom provided consistent or competent play for most of the year.
Was Engstrand perfect? No, but there were undoubtedly some legitimate positives. His passing concepts aligned with the modern NFL, creating intermediate separation at a top-tier rate, and New York’s rushing attack finished 11th in the league at 123.3 yards per game.
Stripping Engstrand of his play-calling duties ahead of 2026 would feel premature. The Jets would be wiser to add a veteran offensive mind to their staff to assist Engstrand rather than replace him as the Jets’ play caller.
