By Mummy Grace 
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The Detroit Lions are at risk of losing another key assistant coach to Aaron Glenn and the New York Jets.
After taking over as head coach of the Jets, Glenn has reportedly set his sights on bringing Lions passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand along with him. According to NFL reporter Josina Anderson, the Jets are in “substantive discussions” with Engstrand for their vacant offensive coordinator position, with Aaron Wilson of KPRC confirming that sources are confident Engstrand will land the role.
Though Engstrand’s name is a bit late to the mix of candidates (with names like Mark Brunell, Nick Caley, and Scott Turner already being floated), it now seems he’s the front-runner for the position. Engstrand has been with the Lions since 2020, progressing from offensive assistant to offensive quality control coach in 2021, to tight ends coach and passing game coordinator in 2022, and finally to his current role as the Lions’ passing game coordinator over the last two seasons.
Engstrand was also considered a top candidate to replace Ben Johnson as Detroit’s offensive coordinator before the team hired John Morton from outside the organization. His career, despite his relatively young age of 42, is extensive. He began as a graduate assistant at the University of San Diego in 2005, eventually rising through the ranks to assistant head coach, offensive coordinator, and quarterbacks coach. He also spent time as offensive coordinator and running backs coach for the DC Defenders in the XFL before joining the Lions.
While Glenn’s interest in Engstrand isn’t surprising, especially given the two worked together in Detroit, it’s still noteworthy. Initially, it seemed unlikely that Engstrand would end up with the Jets, but with other opportunities fading, Glenn is now making a full push to bring Engstrand to New York as his offensive coordinator.