The Jets have agreed to phrases with Detroit Lions passing recreation coordinator Tanner Engstrand to turn out to be their new offensive coordinator, in response to a supply.
The transfer comes lower than every week after the Jets formally launched Aaron Glenn as head coach.
Engstrand, 42, was thought of the favourite to turn out to be the Jets’ offensive coordinator after Rams tight ends coach and passing recreation coordinator Nick Caley withdrew his identify from consideration.
Engstrand had been on the Lions workers since 2020 when he was employed as an offensive assistant. After Dan Campbell was employed as coach in 2021, Engstrand was promoted to offensive high quality management coach and have become Detroit’s passing recreation coordinator in 2022.
Alongside along with his expertise with the Lions, Engstrand was a graduate assistant at San Diego from 2005-06 beneath Jim Harbaugh, who coached the staff from 2004-06. He additionally coached operating backs (2007-08) and quarterbacks (2009-10) earlier than being promoted to offensive coordinator, a task he held from 2011-17. Engstrand was additionally Michigan’s offensive analyst beneath Harbaugh in 2018.
The Lions completed second within the league in passing yards in 2024 (409.5 per recreation), after Detroit was third within the league in passing (394.8) throughout the 2023 season, when it appeared within the NFC championship recreation earlier than dropping to the 49ers.
Throughout Engstrand’s time as Lions passing recreation coordinator, Jared Goff‘s play improved, and he was considered one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL. From 2022-24, Goff averaged 4,547 yards, 32 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in those three seasons.
Players such as wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and tight end Sam LaPorta also grew with the help of Engstrand and former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who became the Bears coach earlier this month. The Jets hope Engstrand can bring similar magic to an offense that finished 24th in yards (310.3), 25th in points (19.9) per game and with a 5-12 record.
Engstrand also has a connection with Jets general manager Darren Mougey. The two played together at San Diego State.
Gang Green’s offense will doubtless be very completely different subsequent season, each schematically and personnel-wise. The staff is scheduled to have 28 free brokers in March.
That doesn’t embrace Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams, who’re beneath contract for the 2025 season. Nonetheless, none of their cash is assured.
Rodgers has a $35 million choice bonus, a $2.5 million wage and a $23.5 million cap cost. Nonetheless, the Jets would have a $49 million cap hit if Rodgers retires or is launched. That cash will be unfold throughout the following two seasons. Rodgers remains to be deciding whether or not he desires to return for a twenty first season after enjoying a whole lot of the 2024 season with a hamstring, knee and ankle accidents.
Adams is on the e book for $35.6 million, and none of that wage is assured. If he desires to stick with the Jets, Adams would wish to renegotiate his contract. With solely round $21 million of wage cap house, the Jets would doubtless launch Adams if he’s unwilling to play for a decrease quantity.
Engstrand will substitute Nathaniel Hackett, the Jets’ offensive coordinator for the final two seasons. Hackett misplaced playcalling duties after Jeff Ulbrich turned the Jets’ interim coach after Robert Saleh was fired. Todd Downing, the passing recreation coordinator, was the Jets’ offensive play-caller for the ultimate 12 video games of the 2024 season.
On Friday, the Jets introduced Chris Banjo as their new particular groups coordinator. He was the Broncos assistant particular groups coach the final two seasons.
Chris Harris was additionally employed because the Jets cross recreation coordinator and defensive backs coach, in response to a supply. He spent the final two seasons in the same position with the Titans.
