Tanner Engstrand is the New York Jets\' 10th offensive coordinator in 15 seasons. The 42-year-old first-time NFL coordinator arrives from the Detroit Lions, where he worked under Ben Johnson and helped develop the league\'s highest-scoring offense.
Engstrand joins a franchise notorious for offensive coordinator instability. The Jets have averaged just 1.5 years per coordinator since 2010, with Brian Schottenheimer being the only coordinator to last more than two seasons during that span.
The Lions assistant proclaimed himself \"100%, absolutely ready\" for the challenge despite the position\'s volatility. His hiring continues the Jets\' pattern of cycling through various coordinator profiles, from former head coaches to first-time playcallers.
Lions Experience Key Factor
Engstrand\'s connection to head coach Aaron Glenn, forged during their time together in Detroit, influenced the hiring decision. The coordinator will implement a Lions-influenced system emphasizing physicality and explosive plays.
\"We\'re going to do as AG wants,\" Engstrand said, \"but he\'s also given me some freedom to do what we feel is best with our scheme and our players.\"
Former Lions tight ends coach Steve Heiden will assist Engstrand as offensive line coach. Senior offensive assistant Scott Turner, son of former NFL head coach Norv Turner, will coordinate the passing game.
\"It\'s going to be a physical system,\" Turner said. \"We\'re going to run the football, we\'re going to be aggressive up front and try to chase explosive plays [in the passing game].\"
Fields Partnership Critical
Engstrand\'s primary challenge involves maximizing quarterback Justin Fields\' dual-threat abilities. The coordinator must transition from working with pocket passer Jared Goff to Fields\' mobile skill set.
Fields expressed confidence in his new coordinator\'s approach and attention to detail. The quarterback enters his fourth NFL season seeking consistency after modest improvement with Pittsburgh last season.
The Jets rank last in points per game (17.5) and QBR (40.1) over the past 15 seasons, highlighting the urgency surrounding Engstrand\'s appointment.
Via Rich Cimini/ESPN
