New York Jets Welcome Tanner Engstrand as Offensive Coordinator Amidst Uncertainty
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets are making headlines once again, and this time it’s with the hiring of Tanner Engstrand as their new offensive coordinator. If Aaron Rodgers decides to return for the 2025 season, he’ll be working with Engstrand, who was previously an assistant with the Detroit Lions. The Jets announced Engstrand’s hiring on Friday, marking a significant shift in their coaching staff.
Engstrand, 42, is no stranger to the new head coach Aaron Glenn, as they both spent the last four seasons together under Dan Campbell’s leadership. Engstrand was instrumental as the passing game coordinator for an offense that led the league with a whopping 564 points in 2024. This impressive feat certainly sets high expectations for what he might bring to the Jets.
However, the Jets are no strangers to taking risks with fresh faces. Once again, they are entering the season with a first-time head coach and a first-time playcaller on offense. This is reminiscent of their 2021 season with Robert Saleh and Mike LaFleur, who was eventually let go after two seasons. Engstrand steps into a role that has seen a revolving door of talent, becoming the Jets’ 11th playcaller in the past 15 years. This instability is likely a contributing factor to their 32nd-ranked scoring offense over that period.
The big question mark remains Aaron Rodgers. At 41, the future Hall of Famer is still undecided about playing a 21st season. The Jets, too, are weighing their options, especially after Rodgers’ uneven performance in 2024. In his introductory news conference, Glenn emphasized that Rodgers would be evaluated just like every other player on the roster.
Throughout his illustrious career, Rodgers has worked with only four playcallers: Mike McCarthy and Matt LaFleur with the Green Bay Packers, and Nathaniel Hackett and Todd Downing with the Jets. Downing took over last season after Hackett was demoted in Week 6. With Glenn’s defensive mindset, Engstrand will play a crucial role in shaping the offense, which finished 24th in scoring this past season.
In addition to Engstrand, the Jets have made other significant hires. Chris Harris joins as the pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach, having spent the last two seasons with the Tennessee Titans. Harris was also in the running for the Jets’ defensive coordinator position. Meanwhile, Chris Banjo steps in as the special teams coordinator, replacing Brant Boyer. Banjo, 34, comes from a two-year stint with the Denver Broncos after a decade-long playing career.
Engstrand was a strong contender to replace former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who left to become the Chicago Bears‘ head coach. However, Campbell chose to hire John Morton from the Broncos instead. Engstrand’s coaching journey is deeply rooted in his time with Jim Harbaugh, having worked under him at the University of San Diego and Michigan. Although he has called plays at the college level and in the XFL, Engstrand lacks NFL playcalling experience. He shares a distant connection with new Jets general manager Darren Mougey, as both were quarterbacks at San Diego State in 2004.
Engstrand’s new role comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. He inherits an offense featuring two talented wide receivers, Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams. However, Adams might be released due to salary-cap constraints. Engstrand also has a versatile running back in Breece Hall and four returning starters on the offensive line.
- Key Challenges for Engstrand:
- Uncertainty at quarterback, with Aaron Rodgers’ future undecided.
- Potential salary-cap issues affecting key players like Davante Adams.
- Pressure to improve the Jets’ historically low-ranked scoring offense.
The uncertainty at quarterback is a significant concern, which might explain why their top coordinator target, Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator Nick Caley, reportedly declined an interview. If Rodgers doesn’t return, the Jets will likely need to add a quarterback. Currently, their top quarterbacks under contract are backup Tyrod Taylor, 35, and 2024 fifth-round pick Jordan Travis, who missed his rookie year due to a college injury.
Originally Written by: Rich Cimini
