The New York Jets cleaned out a majority of their staff except for a few members, including head coach Aaron Glenn. With their offensive coordinator, Tanner Engstrand, being set to enter a new role with the team, they couldn’t reach an agreement on that role and parted ways. Now, they have to replace him and have landed on a few top candidates, including a former head coach, to be the next offensive coordinator in New York.
Which Former HC Is a Top 3 Candidate for Jets OC Job?
The Jets’ offense stunk last year. The personnel were inadequate, and the offense didn’t look ready to consistently take down NFL defenses. Engstrand didn’t have too much to work with, but didn’t produce enough to secure his future. The Jets are looking away from a first-time coordinator and going for a veteran playcaller.
Jets insider Rich Cimini reported that Frank Reich is the likely favorite to land the job. Reich is highly respected across the league as an offensive mind. He spent five seasons as the head coach in Indianapolis and one season as the head coach for the Panthers. He’s got experience as an offensive coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Diego Chargers.
Frank Reich is the name that has generated the most buzz in connection with the Jets’ offensive-coordinator vacancy, but keep an eye on Darrell Bevell. It wouldn’t shock me if he gets the nod. Their plan was to narrow it to 3 finalists, as @JFowlerESPN reported Saturday. Greg…
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) February 2, 2026
Reich isn’t the only candidate with a good shot at landing the gig. Cimini reports that Darrell Bevell has a chance to be the next playcaller in New York. Bevell is a Super Bowl champion with the Seahawks and has over a decade of experience as an offensive coordinator.
Some calls haunt him, though. The infamous Malcolm Butler interception and the decision not to give the ball to Marshawn Lynch in the Super Bowl loom large. Although everyone might not remember, some will, and his play call played a part in a goal-line collapse on the biggest stage. Right now, Jets fans don’t have to worry about the Super Bowl, because they need a lot of help and it starts with improving the offense.
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The third candidate is Greg Roman. Roman has spent years under the Harbaugh family coaching tree as an offensive coordinator for both the Chargers under Jim Harbaugh and the Ravens under John Harbaugh. He’s been in the same role with the 49ers and Bills. He’s been around and would once again bring experience to this Jets staff.
The Jets need to make the right choice. They’ve been stuck at the bottom of the NFL and own the longest playoff drought in the NFL by a wide margin. It’s been 15 years, and Jets fans are slowly becoming impatient. The offense finished 29th in PFSN’s Offense Impact score, and whoever they decide on will be tasked with getting this team out of the gutter.
