Frank Reich hired as New York jets offensive coordinator: What it means for the offense
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Feb 04, 2026, 23:36 IST
The New York Jets are shaking things up to fix their offense, bringing in Frank Reich as their new offensive coordinator. This is a big move aimed at injecting some life and new strategies into their struggling unit, hoping Reich's experience can turn things around for the team.
The New York Jets have hired Frank Reich as their new offensive coordinator, bringing him back to the NFL after a season in the college ranks. Reich, 64, previously served as the senior adviser for Stanford football and was their interim head coach in 2025. This move comes after the Jets parted ways with offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand in late January.
Reich brings extensive NFL experience, having played 13 seasons as a quarterback, including a stint with the Jets in 1996. He also has a significant coaching background, most notably as the head coach for the Indianapolis Colts from 2018 to 2022 and a brief period with the Carolina Panthers in 2023. His career coaching record stands at 41-43-1.
Jets coach Aaron Glenn expressed confidence in Reich's abilities.
"Frank has a rare combination of experience, creativity, and calm under pressure," Glenn said in a statement.
Glenn further elaborated on Reich's qualifications.
"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. He is unique in his ability to see the game for what it is right now and adapt when appropriate. Frank understands offense and how to utilize the strengths of players. I am looking forward to how he will help this team have success."
Reich's most successful period as a coach was as an offensive coordinator. He held this role with the San Diego Chargers from 2014 to 2015 and then with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2016 to 2017. During his time with the Eagles, he played a crucial role in their victory in Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots.
The upcoming season will mark Reich's first time as an offensive coordinator since that Super Bowl win. He faces the challenge of improving a Jets offense that ranked 29th in the league in both points and yards scored. The team experienced quarterback instability last season, with Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and Brady Cook all seeing starts.
The Jets interviewed several candidates for the offensive coordinator position, including Greg Roman and Darrell Bevell, who both received second interviews. Reich was among this group of familiar names considered for the role.
Reich's playing career spanned 13 seasons in the NFL, primarily as a backup quarterback. He spent a portion of his playing time with the Buffalo Bills. His time with the Jets in 1996 saw him start seven games. During that 1996 season, he was a teammate of Aaron Glenn, who played defensive back for the team.
Before his hiring by the Jets, Reich served as a senior adviser for Stanford football. His interim head coaching role with the Cardinal in 2025 marked his return to coaching following his tenure with the Carolina Panthers. His time as head coach of the Panthers in 2023 was described as ill-fated.
The Jets' decision to hire Reich comes after a swift process following the departure of Tanner Engstrand. The timing of Engstrand's exit in late January was considered surprising by some. The team has now secured its new offensive coordinator shortly after parting ways with their previous one.
A significant question for the Jets moving forward is the identity of their starting quarterback for the 2026 season. For the present, however, the team has filled the offensive coordinator vacancy. Reich's experience as a player and coach is expected to be a key factor in his new role. His ability to adapt and utilize player strengths was highlighted by Coach Glenn. The team's offensive performance in the previous season indicates a need for significant improvement. Reich's past success in developing offenses, particularly with the Eagles, suggests he may be able to address these issues. The upcoming season will be a test of his ability to translate that success to the Jets. His previous experience as a head coach also provides a broad perspective on team dynamics and offensive strategy. The Jets are looking to leverage this comprehensive background as they aim to enhance their offensive output. The team's recent history at the quarterback position adds another layer of complexity to the task ahead for Reich. His role will be critical in establishing consistency and effectiveness on offense. The strategic decisions made by Reich will directly impact the team's performance. His return to an offensive coordinator role after a Super Bowl victory underscores his proven track record in that capacity. The focus will be on how he implements his offensive schemes with the current Jets roster. The team's investment in Reich signals an intent to revitalize their offensive unit. His understanding of the game from multiple perspectives is seen as a valuable asset. The transition from college football back to the NFL presents a new challenge for Reich. His previous coaching tenures provide a foundation for this new opportunity. The Jets are banking on his expertise to elevate their offensive capabilities. The team's performance metrics from the previous season highlight the areas requiring immediate attention. Reich's appointment is a significant step in addressing these shortcomings. His ability to connect with players and implement effective strategies will be closely watched. The overall success of the Jets' offense will likely be a key indicator of Reich's impact. His history of contributing to successful offenses is a positive sign for the team. The strategic direction of the Jets' offense now rests with Reich. His experience with different offensive systems will be put to the test. The team's commitment to improving its offensive production is evident in this hiring. Reich's return to a familiar role signifies a strategic focus on offensive development. The challenges ahead are substantial, but his track record suggests he is well-equipped to handle them. The team's quarterback situation remains a central concern, and Reich's influence will be crucial in navigating this aspect. His ability to foster a productive offensive environment is paramount. The Jets are looking to build a more potent offense under his guidance. His past achievements, particularly with the Eagles, offer a glimpse of what could be possible. The upcoming season will be a critical period for evaluating the effectiveness of this coaching change.
Reich brings extensive NFL experience, having played 13 seasons as a quarterback, including a stint with the Jets in 1996. He also has a significant coaching background, most notably as the head coach for the Indianapolis Colts from 2018 to 2022 and a brief period with the Carolina Panthers in 2023. His career coaching record stands at 41-43-1.
Jets coach Aaron Glenn expressed confidence in Reich's abilities.
"Frank has a rare combination of experience, creativity, and calm under pressure," Glenn said in a statement.
Glenn further elaborated on Reich's qualifications.
"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. He is unique in his ability to see the game for what it is right now and adapt when appropriate. Frank understands offense and how to utilize the strengths of players. I am looking forward to how he will help this team have success."
Reich's most successful period as a coach was as an offensive coordinator. He held this role with the San Diego Chargers from 2014 to 2015 and then with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2016 to 2017. During his time with the Eagles, he played a crucial role in their victory in Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots.
The upcoming season will mark Reich's first time as an offensive coordinator since that Super Bowl win. He faces the challenge of improving a Jets offense that ranked 29th in the league in both points and yards scored. The team experienced quarterback instability last season, with Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and Brady Cook all seeing starts.
The Jets interviewed several candidates for the offensive coordinator position, including Greg Roman and Darrell Bevell, who both received second interviews. Reich was among this group of familiar names considered for the role.
Reich's playing career spanned 13 seasons in the NFL, primarily as a backup quarterback. He spent a portion of his playing time with the Buffalo Bills. His time with the Jets in 1996 saw him start seven games. During that 1996 season, he was a teammate of Aaron Glenn, who played defensive back for the team.
Before his hiring by the Jets, Reich served as a senior adviser for Stanford football. His interim head coaching role with the Cardinal in 2025 marked his return to coaching following his tenure with the Carolina Panthers. His time as head coach of the Panthers in 2023 was described as ill-fated.
The Jets' decision to hire Reich comes after a swift process following the departure of Tanner Engstrand. The timing of Engstrand's exit in late January was considered surprising by some. The team has now secured its new offensive coordinator shortly after parting ways with their previous one.
A significant question for the Jets moving forward is the identity of their starting quarterback for the 2026 season. For the present, however, the team has filled the offensive coordinator vacancy. Reich's experience as a player and coach is expected to be a key factor in his new role. His ability to adapt and utilize player strengths was highlighted by Coach Glenn. The team's offensive performance in the previous season indicates a need for significant improvement. Reich's past success in developing offenses, particularly with the Eagles, suggests he may be able to address these issues. The upcoming season will be a test of his ability to translate that success to the Jets. His previous experience as a head coach also provides a broad perspective on team dynamics and offensive strategy. The Jets are looking to leverage this comprehensive background as they aim to enhance their offensive output. The team's recent history at the quarterback position adds another layer of complexity to the task ahead for Reich. His role will be critical in establishing consistency and effectiveness on offense. The strategic decisions made by Reich will directly impact the team's performance. His return to an offensive coordinator role after a Super Bowl victory underscores his proven track record in that capacity. The focus will be on how he implements his offensive schemes with the current Jets roster. The team's investment in Reich signals an intent to revitalize their offensive unit. His understanding of the game from multiple perspectives is seen as a valuable asset. The transition from college football back to the NFL presents a new challenge for Reich. His previous coaching tenures provide a foundation for this new opportunity. The Jets are banking on his expertise to elevate their offensive capabilities. The team's performance metrics from the previous season highlight the areas requiring immediate attention. Reich's appointment is a significant step in addressing these shortcomings. His ability to connect with players and implement effective strategies will be closely watched. The overall success of the Jets' offense will likely be a key indicator of Reich's impact. His history of contributing to successful offenses is a positive sign for the team. The strategic direction of the Jets' offense now rests with Reich. His experience with different offensive systems will be put to the test. The team's commitment to improving its offensive production is evident in this hiring. Reich's return to a familiar role signifies a strategic focus on offensive development. The challenges ahead are substantial, but his track record suggests he is well-equipped to handle them. The team's quarterback situation remains a central concern, and Reich's influence will be crucial in navigating this aspect. His ability to foster a productive offensive environment is paramount. The Jets are looking to build a more potent offense under his guidance. His past achievements, particularly with the Eagles, offer a glimpse of what could be possible. The upcoming season will be a critical period for evaluating the effectiveness of this coaching change.