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New York Continues to Pull from Detroit’s Coaching Roster
The New York Jets have once again dipped into the Detroit Lions’ coaching staff, this time hiring Tanner Engstrand as their new offensive coordinator. Engstrand, who played a crucial role in shaping the Lions’ high-powered passing attack, will now take on his first NFL offensive coordinator role under new Jets head coach Aaron Glenn.
A Key Piece in Detroit’s Offensive Success
Engstrand, 42, has been a part of the Lions’ staff since 2020 and spent the past three seasons as their passing game coordinator. His influence helped quarterback Jared Goff lead one of the league’s most explosive offenses, with the Lions finishing the 2024 season ranked No. 1 in scoring offense (33.2 points per game) and No. 2 in both total yards (409.5 yards per game) and passing yards (263.2 yards per game).
His success in Detroit made him a prime target for teams looking to revamp their offensive schemes, and the Jets wasted no time in securing his expertise.
A Reunion with Familiar Faces
Engstrand’s move to New York marks another reunion, as he joins former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who was recently named the Jets’ head coach. The Jets have also added ex-Lions tight ends coach Steve Heiden as their new offensive line coach, further strengthening their Detroit connections.
Interestingly, Engstrand also has ties to Jets general manager Darren Mougey from their time as quarterbacks at San Diego State in 2004. With familiarity on his side, he steps into a situation where trust and chemistry are already established.
A New Challenge in New York
While Engstrand has never served as an offensive coordinator in the NFL, he held the role at the University of San Diego from 2011 to 2017. Now, he faces the task of revamping a Jets offense that struggled with consistency, particularly at quarterback.
A major storyline looming over his new role is the future of Aaron Rodgers. The 41-year-old quarterback has expressed interest in returning for the 2025 season, which could give Engstrand a seasoned leader to build around. However, the Jets still have decisions to make at the position, with potential roster moves on the horizon.
As the Jets continue their aggressive overhaul, Engstrand’s hiring signals a commitment to retooling their offense with proven coaching talent. Detroit may be feeling the losses, but for Engstrand, the opportunity to step into a bigger role in New York is a career-defining move.