The New York Jets are set to appoint Frank Reich as their new offensive coordinator, with plans for him to take charge of play-calling duties under head coach Aaron Glenn. This move comes after the team completed virtual interviews with five candidates for the offensive coordinator role, including Reich, during the past week.
Reich, 64, interviewed on January 28 along with other contenders such as Darrell Bevell, Ronald Curry, Greg Roman, and Lunda Wells. The Jets’ pursuit of Reich became more focused following these discussions.
This search for an offensive coordinator is part of a broader shakeup after a disappointing 3-14 season for the Jets, marking Glenn’s first year at the helm. The team previously parted ways with offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand after just one season, creating an opportunity for a new play-caller to step in. Alongside Reich’s anticipated hire, the Jets also brought on Brian Duker as their defensive coordinator. The hiring process for the defense included a dramatic episode: although the Jets were in advanced negotiations with former Giants coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale, a misunderstanding regarding defensive play-calling led to Martindale withdrawing from consideration, even though many believed the agreement was practically finalized.
Reich makes his return to the NFL after a stint as the interim head coach at Stanford in 2025. Appointed by former Colts GM Andrew Luck—who was once coached by Reich—he successfully navigated the team through a challenging season that saw Stanford upset prominent opponents and achieve a winning home record for the first time since 2018. Before his time at Stanford, Reich held several noteworthy coaching positions in the NFL, most notably as the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles during their Super Bowl LII-winning campaign and later serving as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, where he finished with a 40-33-1 record over four-plus seasons. His tenure as the head coach of the Carolina Panthers, however, was less successful, ending after just 11 games in 2023 with a disappointing 1-10 record.
The Jets’ offensive overhaul is crucial, considering their struggles last season, where they ranked 29th in total offense and points, and dead last in passing yards per game. This offseason, the Jets are exploring quarterback options through both free agency and the draft, which highlights the urgency of enhancing their offensive strategy.
The interview process highlights the Jets’ commitment to finding a candidate with substantial play-calling experience. Candidates such as Bevell, who recently worked with quarterbacks in Miami, Curry, who coached the position in Buffalo, and Roman, who has multiple NFL offensive coordinator roles, demonstrate the team’s focus on strengthening their offensive game plan.
Overall, the Jets are making decisive moves to rebuild and improve their coaching staff, showing their determination to turn around their performance for the upcoming season. With Reich likely at the helm of the offense, there is a sense of optimism as fans and analysts look forward to how these developments will positively impact the Jets’ future.