The New York Jets are officially turning to a seasoned veteran to rescue one of the NFL’s most stagnant offenses. On Wednesday morning, the team announced that the Jets hire Frank Reich as offensive coordinator, bringing the former NFL head coach back to the organization where he once played under center. The move is a clear signal that head coach Aaron Glenn is prioritizing experience and stability as he enters a pivotal 2026 season.
Reich, 64, finalized the deal following an in-person interview at the team's facility on Tuesday. He replaces Tanner Engstrand, whom the Jets parted ways with last week after a disappointing 2025 campaign. For the Jets, the hiring of Reich represents more than just a coaching change; it is a full-scale attempt to install a "head coach of the offense" who can operate with autonomy while Glenn focuses his attention on the defensive side of the ball.
The Mission: Fixing a Bottom-Tier Offense
The primary reason the Jets hire Frank Reich as offensive coordinator is the team's disastrous performance during the 2025 season. The Jets finished with a dismal 3-14 record, and the numbers on the offensive side of the ball were particularly staggering. New York ranked 29th in total yards and 29th in points scored, struggling to find any consistency throughout the year.
The passing game was the biggest area of concern, finishing the season ranked 32nd in the league. Despite a rushing attack that showed flashes of stability, ranking 10th overall, the inability to move the ball through the air made the Jets one-dimensional and easy to defend. Reich’s task will be to modernize a scheme that failed to produce explosive plays and struggled in the red zone for much of the last year.
A Proven Resume as a Play-Caller
While Reich’s recent head coaching stints with the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers ended prematurely, his reputation as an offensive architect remains high. He is most famously remembered for his tenure as the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017. During that season, he was instrumental in developing Carson Wentz into an MVP candidate and later guiding Nick Foles to a Super Bowl LII victory.
Reich’s ability to adapt his scheme to his personnel is one of his most cited strengths. Throughout his career, he has worked with a variety of quarterback archetypes, including:
- Andrew Luck: Orchestrated a high-powered vertical passing game in Indianapolis.
- Philip Rivers: Utilized a quick-release, timing-based system to maximize the veteran's efficiency.
- Jacoby Brissett and Carson Wentz: Tailored offenses to mobile quarterbacks with varying arm strengths.
- Bryce Young: Navigated the challenges of a rookie season in Carolina.
After being dismissed from the Panthers in 2023, Reich spent the 2025 season as the interim head coach at Stanford University, where he led the Cardinal to a 4-8 record. His return to the NFL marks a homecoming of sorts, as Reich played quarterback for the Jets during the 1996 season.
The Aaron Glenn Factor and Staff Changes
The decision to bring in a veteran like Reich was heavily influenced by head coach Aaron Glenn’s desire to shift his own focus. Reports indicate that Glenn has decided to take over defensive play-calling duties for the 2026 season, pairing himself with new defensive coordinator Brian Duker. This shift necessitated an experienced "offensive head coach" who could manage the entire offensive staff and game plan without constant oversight.
Reich emerged as the favorite from a candidate pool that included veteran coordinators Greg Roman and Darrell Bevell. In a statement released by the team, Glenn praised Reich’s poise and leadership. "Frank has a rare combination of experience, creativity, and calm under pressure," Glenn said. "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."
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Offseason
With the coordinator position filled, the Jets' front office must now address the roster. Current quarterback Justin Fields remains under contract, but his benching late in the 2025 season has left his future with the team in doubt. Whether the Jets choose to stick with Fields, pursue a veteran in free agency, or look toward the NFL Draft, Reich’s history of quarterback development will be the cornerstone of the team’s strategy.
The Jets are betting that Reich’s veteran acumen can provide the spark needed to climb out of the AFC East basement. For a fan base that hasn't seen a winning season in over a decade, the arrival of a Super Bowl-winning coordinator is a high-stakes move that the organization hopes will finally deliver results.
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