After weeks of searching, Aaron Glenn has appointed Frank Reich as the New York Jets’ new offensive coordinator, as reported by The Athletic. The Jets recently parted ways with Tanner Engstrand, last season’s OC, prompting a series of interviews with several candidates, including Greg Roman and Darrell Bevell. Reich, however, emerged as the clear favorite.
This marks Reich’s return to coordinating an NFL offense after being let go as head coach of the Carolina Panthers during the 2023 season. In addition to hiring Reich, the Jets have recruited Brian Duker from the Miami Dolphins as their new defensive coordinator, although Glenn will focus on play-calling for the defense.
Glenn initially considered keeping Engstrand while bringing in a veteran coach to share responsibilities. He even reached out to former Raiders coach Jon Gruden for the role, but Gruden declined. Reich’s experience and connection with Glenn—who played alongside him on the Jets in 1996—likely played a significant role in his hiring.
At 64, Reich is well-regarded for developing quarterbacks and creating a positive team atmosphere. His past includes coaching Philip Rivers with the Chargers and playing a key role in the Philadelphia Eagles’ 2017 Super Bowl triumph, where he helped molded Carson Wentz and supported Nick Foles when Wentz got injured. While with the Colts, Reich’s offense ranked well across several metrics, showing his capability to adapt to different quarterbacks.
However, his recent track record raises questions. During his final season with the Colts, the offense struggled mightily, ranking last in a number of critical categories. The Panthers fared no better, finishing near the bottom of the league before his midseason firing. At Stanford, the offensive performance did not improve, with the team ranking poorly nationally.
Reich now faces a steep challenge with the Jets, who lack a starting quarterback. The team holds the second pick in the upcoming draft but faces uncertainty, as the top quarterback prospect is expected to go first. A possible solution might involve trading for Jacoby Brissett, who is currently with the Cardinals, but bringing back Carson Wentz seems unlikely due to past issues in Indianapolis. While star wide receiver Garrett Wilson is returning from injury and the offensive line appears solid, the running back situation is muddled as Breece Hall is set to hit free agency.
It’s worth noting that the Jets have struggled to maintain stability in their coaching staff; no offensive coordinator has lasted more than two seasons since Brian Schottenheimer, who held the position from 2006 to 2011. This highlights the urgency for Reich to deliver results and bring cohesion to the team.
In sum, the Jets are banking on Reich’s expertise and past experience to turn around their offense amid a tumultuous season ahead.
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New York Jets, NFL
