Lions passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand to become Jets new offensive coordinator: source
NEW YORK — The Jets have agreed to terms with Detroit Lions passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand to become their new offensive coordinator, according to a source.
The move comes less than a week after the Jets officially introduced Aaron Glenn as head coach.
Engstrand, 42, was considered the favorite to become the Jets’ offensive coordinator after Rams tight ends coach and passing game coordinator Nick Caley withdrew his name from consideration.
Engstrand had been on the Lions staff since 2020 when he was hired as an offensive assistant. After Dan Campbell was hired as coach in 2021, Engstrand was promoted to offensive quality control coach and became Detroit’s passing game coordinator in 2022.
Along with his experience with the Lions, Engstrand was a graduate assistant at San Diego from 2005-06 under Jim Harbaugh, who coached the team from 2004-06. He also coached running backs (2007-08) and quarterbacks (2009-10) before being promoted to offensive coordinator, a role he held from 2011-17. Engstrand was also Michigan’s offensive analyst under Harbaugh in 2018.
The Lions finished second in the league in passing yards in 2024 (409.5 per game), after Detroit was third in the league in passing (394.8) during the 2023 season, when it appeared in the NFC championship game before losing to the 49ers.
During Engstrand’s time as Lions passing game coordinator, Jared Goff‘s play improved, and he was considered one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL. From 2022-24, Goff averaged 4,547 yards, 32 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Players such as wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and tight end Sam LaPorta also grew with the help of Engstrand and former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who became the Bears coach earlier this month. The Jets hope Engstrand can bring similar magic to an offense that finished 24th in yards (310.3), 25th in points (19.9) per game and with a 5-12 record.
Engstrand also has a connection with Jets general manager Darren Mougey. The two played together at San Diego State.
Gang Green’s offense will likely be very different next season, both schematically and personnel-wise. The team is scheduled to have 28 free agents in March.
That does not include Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams, who are under contract for the 2025 season. However, none of their money is guaranteed.
Rodgers has a $35 million option bonus, a $2.5 million salary and a $23.5 million cap charge. However, the Jets would have a $49 million cap hit if Rodgers retires or is released. That money can be spread across the next two seasons. Rodgers is still deciding whether he wants to return for a 21st season after playing a lot of the 2024 season with a hamstring, knee and ankle injuries.
Adams is on the book for $35.6 million, and none of that salary is guaranteed. If he wants to stay with the Jets, Adams would need to renegotiate his contract. With only around $21 million of salary cap space, the Jets would likely release Adams if he’s unwilling to play for a lower number.
Engstrand will replace Nathaniel Hackett, the Jets’ offensive coordinator for the last two seasons. Hackett lost playcalling duties after Jeff Ulbrich became the Jets’ interim coach after Robert Saleh was fired. Todd Downing, the passing game coordinator, was the Jets’ offensive play-caller for the final 12 games of the 2024 season.
On Friday, the Jets announced Chris Banjo as their new special teams coordinator. He was the Broncos assistant special teams coach the last two seasons.
Chris Harris was also hired as the Jets pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach, according to a source. He spent the last two seasons in a similar role with the Titans.