The Lions could welcome back former Jets OC with an open spot he perfectly fits
The Detroit Lions are currently in the process of filling out their coaching staff for the 2026 season with the additions of both Drew Petzing and Mike Kafka, but they’re not done yet. Scottie Montgomery will soon interview for the offensive coordinator job for the Baltimore Ravens and potentially the New York Jets, so his […]
The Detroit Lions are currently in the process of filling out their coaching staff for the 2026 season with the additions of both Drew Petzing and Mike Kafka, but they’re not done yet. Scottie Montgomery will soon interview for the offensive coordinator job for the Baltimore Ravens and potentially the New York Jets, so his role could need filling. Then, Tyler Roehl left for Iowa State, and his role needs to be filled. Actually, I might have just the guy for that one.
The Lions could look to add former New York Jets OC Tanner Engstrand back to their coaching staff as their tight ends coach
This is a job that Engstrand has already done before for the Lions. When Ben Johnson was promoted from tight ends coach to offensive coordinator, Engstrand took over the tight ends coach role and held it until the Lions hired Steve Heiden. Engstrand was then promoted to passing game coordinator.
At one point in time, it seemed as though Engstrand was the heir to Johnson’s OC job in Detroit. It felt like a lock for a second. As we got closer to the point where that would happen, the feeling cooled off dramatically, and the Lions did not promote him. He went to New York with Aaron Glenn. It did not work out.
It makes you wonder if Engstrand is cut out to be an offensive coordinator in the NFL or if he’s a guy who’s niche is really being a position coach. There’s nothing wrong with it. Just like there’s nothing wrong with guys who should really be coordinators instead of head coaches.
For the Lions, Engstrand knows exactly what the Lions want out of their tight ends from a philosophical point. We don’t really know at this time how much the offense is going to change tight end-wise with Petzing. But Engstrand has been a part of many different offenses, and he should be able to pick things up.
If not the Lions, I wouldn’t worry too much about Engstrand landing a gig somewhere. He might be one of the most connected coaches in the league. He played his college ball at San Diego with Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, he was on Jim Harbaugh’s first coaching staff at San Diego, and then joined him at Michigan. Then, of course, he was with Ben Johnson in Detroit.
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