Jets Set to Strip Tanner Engstrand of Play-Calling Duties, Eye Frank Reich as Replacement
FLORHAM PARK, N.J., January 27, 2026 – The New York Jets are poised for a significant offensive overhaul, with first-year offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand expected to be relieved of his play-calling responsibilities for the upcoming 2026 season. The move comes as head coach Aaron Glenn continues a sweeping purge of his coaching staff following a disastrous 3-14 campaign.
Coaching Staff Shakeup
Head coach Aaron Glenn, entering his second year, has executed widespread changes after winning just three games in his debut season. The team has already parted ways with seven assistant coaches, including passing game coordinator Scott Turner, quarterbacks coach Charles London, and the entire key defensive staff. Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks was fired midway through the 2025 season.
While Engstrand will remain on staff, multiple reports from NFL insiders, including Connor Hughes of SNY and Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, indicate his role, responsibilities, and structure within the offense are expected to change dramatically. Sources close to Engstrand have told SNY he does not anticipate calling plays in 2026.
Search for a Veteran Voice
In a parallel development, the Jets are actively pursuing a veteran offensive mind to assume play-calling duties. According to Hughes, discussions between the Jets and former Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich are “progressing.” Reich, who served as offensive coordinator for the Super Bowl LII champion Philadelphia Eagles, is seen as a leading candidate to join Glenn’s staff.
The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt reported that Glenn has recently reached out to “multiple offensive assistants” about the prospect of calling plays for the Jets, signaling a clear intent to make a change at the top of the offensive hierarchy.
2025 Season in Review
| Offensive Statistic | 2025 Ranking (League) |
|---|---|
| Total Yards Per Game | 29th (263.6) |
| Points Per Game | 29th (17.6) |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 32nd (140.3) |
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 10th (123.3) |
Engstrand’s first season as an NFL play-caller was marred by severe quarterback instability, with Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and rookie Brady Cook all failing to provide consistent production. Despite the league-worst passing attack, Engstrand’s scheme was credited with creating a top-10 rushing offense and generating open receivers, factors that have led some to question the fairness of his potential demotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Tanner Engstrand be fired?
No. Current reporting indicates the Jets plan to retain Engstrand on the coaching staff for the 2026 season. However, his role is expected to be adjusted, most notably by removing his play-calling duties. He may retain the offensive coordinator title in a diminished capacity.
Who is Frank Reich?
Frank Reich is a veteran NFL coach with extensive experience as both a head coach and offensive coordinator. He was the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles when they won Super Bowl LII. He later served as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts (2018-2022) and the Carolina Panthers (2023). Most recently, he worked in college football at Stanford.
Why are the Jets making this change?
After a 3-14 season where the offense ranked near the bottom of the league in most major categories, head coach Aaron Glenn is under pressure to show improvement. With no clear long-term quarterback solution on the roster and holding the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 draft, Glenn appears to be seeking a veteran, experienced voice to stabilize the offense and potentially develop a new quarterback.
What does this mean for head coach Aaron Glenn?
Glenn is entering a critical second season. After overhauling both his offensive and defensive play-callers after just one year, he is widely viewed as a lame-duck coach who must show significant progress in 2026 to keep his job. The challenge of attracting top coaching talent is compounded by the team’s uncertain quarterback situation.