The New York Jets and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand have parted ways, sending shockwaves throughout a fanbase that is becoming increasingly confused about the plan of head coach Aaron Glenn.

Reports indicated that the Jets initially attempted to retain Engstrand while revoking his play-calling duties. Eventually, both sides agreed it was time to move on.

The team has already begun targeting candidates to replace Engstrand. Dallas Cowboys tight end coach Lunda Wells is scheduled to interview on Wednesday.

Regardless of who they choose to replace Engstrand, the Jets should ensure they retain the few impressive coaches who remain with the organization.

Offensive line coach Steve Heiden and tight end coach Jeff Blasko have earned their jobs and should be retained. Their units were two of the few bright spots for the Jets in 2025.

Heiden, Blasko deserve to stay with Jets

Heiden, 49, was one of Glenn’s riskiest hires when he came to New York. Previously the Detroit Lions’ tight ends coach, Heiden had never been in charge of an offensive line at any level.

Glenn’s bet on Heiden paid off. Under his lead, the Jets’ offensive line had its best season in years. They anchored a top-10 run game and had a solid year in pass protection despite all three of New York’s quarterbacks having a tendency to hold the ball too long.

Rookie offensive tackle Armand Membou was outstanding from his first snap, earning PFWA All-Rookie honors. Left tackle Olu Fashanu took a second-year leap, overcoming a shaky start to establish himself as one of the league’s best left tackles from Week 7 on. Meanwhile, Joe Tippmann didn’t miss a beat switching from center to guard.

Blasko, 43, was tabbed as the Jets’ tight ends coach after five years in Dallas, where he most recently served as the Cowboys’ running backs coach and run game coordinator. Over his first three years in Dallas, he was the assistant offensive line coach, a role he previously held with the Cleveland Browns (2019) and Green Bay Packers (2017-18).

Despite his lack of experience working with tight ends, Blasko oversaw positive development from the Jets’ young tight end room.

Second-round rookie Mason Taylor put together a solid season as a pass catcher and made clear strides as a blocker. He finished with 11 contested catches, the most among rookie tight ends. Meanwhile, fourth-year tight end Jeremy Ruckert went from a fringe roster player to a reliable No. 2 tight end, earning a contract extension with the team.

The Jets are cleaning house, but some have earned their spot

Glenn’s choices for offensive line and tight ends coach raised some eyebrows at first. A former tight ends coach was coaching the offensive line, and an offensive line coach was coaching tight ends. But in the end, they proved Glenn right.

Blasko also presents a potential in-house option for the Jets in their coordinator search. While it’s unlikely that he’ll become offensive coordinator, his experience as the Cowboys’ run game coordinator could allow him to make the jump to play-calling, while helping the Jets maintain continuity. Pairing him with a veteran coach like Frank Reich is a path Glenn could consider.

Coming into the 2025 season, the Jets’ inexperienced coaching staff had a lot to prove. As we prepare for the 2026 season, most of those coaches are already gone, as the Jets are replacing both coordinators and six additional staff members.

With so few of Glenn’s decisions having worked out, he should do his best to hang onto the few calls he got right.