The New York Jets have their next offensive coordinator: Frank Reich.

Now, the focus shifts to the biggest question of the offseason: What’s the plan under center? As the Jets search for their next QB, Reich’s voice will carry significant weight in that decision.

So what does the 64-year-old value most in a quarterback?

What does Reich prioritize in a quarterback?

Reich has served two stints as an NFL offensive coordinator and two more as a head coach, providing a sizable sample to evaluate the type of quarterback he has historically thrived with.

And across those stops, a clear pattern emerges.

Reich has had his best success with Carson Wentz and Phillip Rivers, coaching each of them with two different teams. What do Wentz and Rivers have in common? Size, above-average arm strength, and a traditional pocket presence.

Addressing the Panthers’ scouting department ahead of the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, the Freeport, N.Y. native outlined the five key tools he looks for in a quarterback: toughness, footwork and finish, accuracy, playmaking, and the ability to be an X-factor.

The last time Reich was charged with developing a young quarterback, though, the results were historically poor.

After the Panthers selected Bryce Young with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, he was unwatchable in his rookie season. He averaged just 4.0 net yards per pass attempt in 10 starts under Reich, the second-lowest mark in NFL history for a rookie quarterback through his first 10 starts.

That is alarming on the surface, but context matters.

Why fans shouldn’t look too far into Young’s failures under Reich

Young was never a natural fit for Reich’s offense. From his physical build to his play style, the pairing never made much sense.

As noted above, Reich has historically succeeded with bigger, traditional dropback quarterbacks who thrive in the pocket.

Young, meanwhile, does his best work when in rhythm, particularly off RPO concepts and quick timing throws, which is exactly why he has been a better fit in Dave Canales’ scheme. His frame also raised concerns, as he measured just over 5-foot-10 at the NFL Scouting Combine.

While this distinction shouldn’t automatically switch fans’ opinions on the underwhelming hire of Reich, it certainly provides more context. Not every failed pairing is proof that a coach can’t develop a quarterback.

Sometimes it is simply the wrong marriage of style and system, and that appears to have been the case with Reich and Young in Carolina.