Home | My Feed | Saved Stories | About | Privacy
Back

New York Jets Appoint Frank Reich as Offensive Coordinator

Show me the source 1 Sources
Generated on: Last updated:

Aaron Glenn Secures Frank Reich as New Jets Offensive Coordinator

Aaron Glenn has secured Frank Reich as the new offensive coordinator for the New York Jets, according to league sources. This appointment follows the departure of Tanner Engstrand, the previous offensive coordinator, last week. Greg Roman and Darrell Bevell were among other candidates who interviewed for the position.

This appointment follows the departure of Tanner Engstrand, the previous offensive coordinator, last week.

Reich's Background and Coaching History

Reich's last NFL coaching role was as head coach of the Carolina Panthers, from which he was fired during the 2023 season. He subsequently served as interim head coach at Stanford during a recent season and was expected to be a senior adviser for their football program before the Jets contacted him.

Glenn's pursuit of Reich began a few weeks prior. Glenn reportedly offered Reich a significant salary and the role of "head coach of the offense" to allow Glenn to focus on the Jets' defense.

Glenn reportedly offering Reich a significant salary and the role of "head coach of the offense" to allow Glenn to focus on the Jets' defense.

Glenn and Reich share a history, having been teammates on the Jets in 1996. Reich, 64, is known for his ability to develop quarterbacks and foster a positive team environment. His coaching resume includes:

  • Quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator for the San Diego Chargers (2013-2015).
  • Offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, contributing to their Super Bowl LII victory in 2017.
  • Head coach of the Indianapolis Colts (2018-2022), where he also called plays.

Offensive Performance Under Reich

During his initial four seasons with the Colts, the offense generally performed well, ranking seventh in offensive EPA, ninth in scoring, and fifth in rushing. This was achieved with a different starting quarterback each season, including Andrew Luck, Jacoby Brissett, Philip Rivers, and Carson Wentz.

However, later periods saw a decline in offensive performance:

  • In the nine games before his 2022 firing from the Colts, the offense ranked 32nd in EPA and 31st in scoring.
  • With the Panthers in 2023, the team went 1-10 under Reich, with the offense ranking 29th in EPA and 29th in scoring.
  • At Stanford, the team's offense ranked 122nd in scoring and 127th in yards nationally.

Jets' Current Situation

Reich joins a Jets team currently without a starting quarterback, holding the second pick in the upcoming draft. Options for a quarterback include potentially trading for Jacoby Brissett or considering free agent Carson Wentz, though their previous stint in Indianapolis ended unfavorably.

The team is expected to have wide receiver Garrett Wilson returning from injury and a strong offensive line. However, running back Breece Hall is set to enter free agency, and there are uncertainties at tight end and other wide receiver positions.

The Jets have experienced frequent changes in the offensive coordinator role, with no coordinator lasting more than two seasons since Brian Schottenheimer (2006-2011).