Winter has brought the winds of change to East Rutherford, New Jersey once again. The arrival of new general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn has brought excitement to the New York Jets. The ensuing rebuild is going to involve an in-depth look at the organization in its best path forward. This week, there was another big addition to the rebuild. Aaron Glenn has selected his new offensive coordinator. The new leader of the Jets offense has the opportunity to impress a lot of people. Although he’s never called plays before, he was a valuable asset in the Detroit Lions offense in the Dan Campbell era. Despite his inexperience, he could be the innovative mind the Jets players can rally behind.
Jets Hire Respected Young Mind to Lead Their Offense
After their engaging and energetic debut in the press conference, the Jets fanbase is excited for the new era. The duo of Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn bring an influential track record from their previous tenures with the Broncos and Lions. After both teams made the playoffs this year, they will be tasked with ending the longest playoff-less streak currently in the NFL. Due to his history on defense both as a player and coach, Aaron Glenn will be a big help to the Jets defense. However, they need to entrust the offense to someone productive. Fortunately, Aaron Glenn has found that candidate.
This is done: Tanner Engstrand will be the #Jets next offensive coordinator. https://t.co/hhJIhnn2il
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) January 31, 2025
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Lions Passing Game Coordinator Tanner Engstrand named new offensive coordinator
In 2024, the Detroit Lions had the highest-scoring offense in the NFL. Due to the innovation of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Detroit’s offense led them to the number one seed in the NFC. While Ben Johnson deserves a lot of credit, one big factor was Tanner Engstrand. After five seasons in Detroit, Engstrand worked his way up the ladder on the staff. Originally an offensive assistant in 2020, Engstrand eventually got promoted to passing game coordinator in 2023. Along with Ben Johnson, Engstrand helped the Lions offense become a well-oiled machine .
A former quarterback at San Diego State, Engstrand’s coaching career began 20 years ago at the University of San Diego. Under incumbent Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, Engstrand served as a graduate assistant. Once Harbaugh left to become Stanford’s new head coach, Engstrand stayed in San Diego. Over time, he was promoted up the staff eventually becoming OC in 2011. For several seasons, Engstrand served as the offensive play-caller. Soon, he’d reunite with Jim Harbaugh in the coach’s first season at Michigan as an offensive analyst in 2018.
Making an impact in Detroit
During the 2020 season, Engstrand would earn his first NFL job as a member of the Detroit Lions. Initially, Engstrand was an offensive assistant before becoming the tight ends coach in 2022. During that time, he worked with top-ten pick TJ Hockenson, Brock Wright, and more to get acclimated to the offense. Alongside wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle-El, the Lions offense improved in Dan Campbell’s second season. Due to their combined efforts, they helped quarterback Jared Goff to his best season since being acquired by the Rams .
Passing Game Coordinator Tanner Engstrand joined us this week to talk trick plays, Detroit’s deep receiving core, and lots of QB Jared Goff
#Lions https://t.co/kzmRGrztPt (fun JG stats thanks to @PFF ) pic.twitter.com/a2CpDnwh7Z
— Dannie (@dannierogers___) October 17, 2024
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The following year, Engstrand was promoted to passing game coordinator. The result of which led to a breakout campaign from the Lions. Along with Ben Johnson and Antwaan Randle-El, the Lions had one of the best passing offenses in the league. Armed with a trio of stars in wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown & Jameson Williams, rookie tight end Sam LaPorta; Jared Goff threw for 30 touchdowns for the first time in five years. When combined with the enigmatic running game led by running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, the Lions became a force in the NFC.
Engstrand’s vision for the Jets offense
What can fans expect from a Tanner Engstrand-led offense? Although questions remain for the 53-man roster; you can expect New York to adopt a more West Coast offense-style passing game. With that in mind, the team should be targeting Garrett Wilson more on intermediate routes and utilizing Breece Hall’s strengths as a receiving back. With their combined skills with the ball in their hands, New York is going to rely on YAC yards. (Yards after catch) In addition, expect New York to zero in on the tight-end class during the draft. The upcoming draft has some valuable receivers in the tight end group. Including but not limited to Tyler Warren out of Penn State, Harold Fannin Jr from Bowling Green, and Michigan tight end Colston Loveland.
Despite his inexperience, Engstrand brings a unique perspective to New York. If given the creative freedom, he should provide New York with an explosive passing game. Should they pick the right quarterback, Aaron Glenn could build a long-term contender if all goes well.
Main Photo: [Junfu Han] – USA Today Sports
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