The New York Jets have hired Tanner Engstrand, the Detroit Lions’ passing game coordinator, as their new offensive coordinator, as announced on Friday. This move is part of first-year head coach Aaron Glenn’s effort to strengthen the Jets’ offense, joining defensive coordinator Steve Wilks and special teams coordinator Chris Banjo to complete his staff.
Engstrand, who spent the last five seasons with the Lions, including three years as their passing game coordinator, is expected to bring the same offensive spark that Detroit had under former OC Ben Johnson, now head coach of the Chicago Bears. The Lions were the league’s top-scoring offense in 2024 and ranked in the top five for the previous two years.
Now taking on his most significant role yet, Engstrand will be tasked with improving a Jets offense that ranked 24th in points last season. The Jets have struggled to crack the top-10 in scoring since 2008, and Engstrand’s arrival is hoped to bring some much-needed productivity.
Engstrand began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of San Diego under Jim Harbaugh in 2005, before rising to offensive coordinator there. He later worked as an offensive analyst at Michigan and briefly served as offensive coordinator for the XFL’s DC Defenders in 2020. Engstrand joined the Lions that same year as an offensive assistant.
With high expectations placed on him, Engstrand will need to prove himself, especially with comparisons to Johnson likely to arise. However, he will have a solid group of young talents like wide receiver Garrett Wilson, running back Breece Hall, and linemen Alijah Vera-Tucker and Joe Tippmann to work with, in addition to the uncertain future of quarterback Aaron Rodgers dominating headlines.
