Jets hire Frank Reich as their new offensive coordinator
Former Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich in 2023. Credit: Getty Images/Wesley Hitt
Aaron Glenn believes he found the Reich man for the job.
Frank Reich, a former NFL quarterback and head coach, is the Jets’ new offensive coordinator. He replaces Tanner Engstrand, who was let go last Tuesday.
Glenn held an in-person second interview on Tuesday with Reich. The two other known finalists, Darrell Bevell and Greg Roman, met with the Jets on Monday. Reich, 64, was considered the front-runner all along.
“Frank has a rare combination of experience, creativity and calm under pressure,” Glenn said in a statement. “He’s lived this game from every angle — as a quarterback in this league and as a coach who’s led offenses at the highest level.”
This is an important hire for Glenn, who went 3-14 in his first season as head coach. The Jets will need to show significant improvement, or Glenn could be out of a job.
Perhaps feeling that pressure, Glenn fired eight coaches over the last two weeks. Numerous spots remain open, but Glenn has filled the two biggest ones.
Brian Duker was hired as defensive coordinator last week. Duker, 36, has no play-calling experience. Glenn will call the defense. Reich, who has more than 30 years experience as an NFL player and coach, will run the offense.
Glenn planned on keeping Engstrand but was going to strip his play-calling duties. Wanting a more experienced person in that role, Glenn reportedly was in conversation with Reich while Engstrand was still on staff.
The Jets also interviewed Ronald Curry and Lunda Wells for the coordinator position.
This is a homecoming of sorts for Reich. He was born in Freeport — he grew up in Pennsylvania, though — and played one season for the Jets. Reich and Glenn were teammates on the 1996 Jets team that went a franchise-worst 1-15.
Reich was a head coach from 2018-23 with the Colts and Panthers, compiling a 41-43-1 record. He has been out of the NFL since Carolina fired him in 2023 after a 1-10 start in his only season there.
Most recently, Reich worked at Stanford as a senior adviser after one season as the Cardinal’s interim head coach, where he posted a 4-8 record.
“He is unique in his ability to see the game for what it is right now and adapt when appropriate,” Glenn said. “Frank understands offense and how to utilize strength of players. I am looking forward to how he will help this team have success.”
Reich went 40-33-1 in five seasons with the Colts. He guided them to two playoff berths and were a top-9 scoring offense three times.
Prior to that, Reich was the Eagles’ offensive coordinator for two years. Doug Pederson was the primary play-caller, but Reich helped develop Carson Wentz and won Super Bowl LII with Philadelphia.
Reich served as the Chargers offensive coordinator (2014-15) and quarterbacks coach (2013) and the Cardinals wide receivers coach (2012). Reich got his start in coaching with Indianapolis as an intern in 2006 before being promoted to offensive assistant.
Now, Reich will be tasked with lifting an offense that was 10th in rushing but among the worst in many other offensive categories.
The Jets finished 29th in total offense (263.6 yards per game) and scoring (17.6 points) and last in passing yards (140.3 yards). They also were tied for last with 15 passing touchdowns.
Poor quarterback play had a big hand in the Jets’ offensive failings. Justin Fields was benched after 11 games and replaced by Tyrod Taylor. Undrafted rookie Brady Cook started four of the last five games and threw two touchdowns and seven interceptions. The Jets also were without star receiver Garrett Wilson for 10 games because of a knee injury.
Reich and Glenn will now work on filling out the offensive staff. The Jets need a quarterbacks coach, passing game coordinator and tight ends coach.
Having a strong staff will be critical for Glenn and the Jets. They have picks 2, 16, 33 and 44 in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft and likely will take a quarterback early. They also have three first-round picks next year in a strong quarterback class.
Dunbar to coach D-line
On the defensive side of the ball, the Jets hired Karl Dunbar as their new defensive line coach. He spent the past eight seasons in the role for the Steelers. Dunbar was the Jets’ D-Line coach from 2012-14 under Rex Ryan.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
