Jets head coach Aaron Glenn is close to making extremely impactful hiring to command the offense
When a team hires a defensive-minded head coach, his first big decision is to choose the offensive coordinator. It seems like Aaron Glenn is close to making a determination for the New York Jets. According to Josina Anderson, Detroit Lions passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand will probably take over. A former college coach, Engstrand had […]
When a team hires a defensive-minded head coach, his first big decision is to choose the offensive coordinator. It seems like Aaron Glenn is close to making a determination for the New York Jets.
According to Josina Anderson, Detroit Lions passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand will probably take over.
A former college coach, Engstrand had his first pro level experience with the DC Defenders in the XFL in 2020 as an offensive coordinator and running backs coach behind Pep Hamilton.
After the title in the minor league, he received a chance with the Lions and hasn't stopped being promoted since. Offensive assistant, offensive quality control, tight ends coach, passing game coordinator.
He was considered the top option to replace Ben Johnson as the Lions offensive coordinator, but Dan Campbell was looking for a more experienced coach and hired John Morton instead.
"Engstrand has been a rising star for the Lions for a while now," said Mike Payton, who covers the Lions for A to Z Sports. "He was long considered to be the heir apparent to Ben Johnson, but in recent weeks the idea of that has cooled down dramatically. He's someone that has an innovative mind similar to Ben Johnson and spent three years under his tutelage. He would be good with a young quarterback."
Even if Engstrand has only worked for the Lions in the NFL, he has had contact with multiple offensive schemes. When he arrived, the offensive coordinator was Darrell Bevell—who finished the 2020 season as the interim head coach.
Then, the Lions hired Anthony Lynn as Campbell's first OC. Campbell himself called plays down the stretch in 2021, and in 2022 Ben Johnson was finally promoted.
In Engstrand's three seasons as a passing game coordinator, the Lions were third in EPA/dropback and fourth in dropback success rate.
Now, the big question ahead is if the Jets will have Aaron Rodgers at quarterback or not.
Current staff
The majority of Robert Saleh's offensive staff is still under contract with the Jets. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett will probably be let go, but there are some names that could be kept—depending on Aaron Glenn and Tanner Engstrand's desires.
Passing game coordinator Todd Downing, wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson, tight ends coach Ron Middleton, and offensive line coach/run game coordinator Keith Carter are part of that equation.
Aaron Rodgers’ situation with the Jets takes unexpected turn after latest Aaron Glenn update
It’s an intriguing development
