Jets hire Frank Reich as their new offensive coordinator
Former Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich in 2023. Credit: Getty Images/Wesley Hitt
Aaron Glenn believes he found the Reich man for the job.
Frank Reich, a former NFL quarterback and long-time coach, has been hired as the Jets’ new offensive coordinator, the team announced Wednesday. Reich replaces Tanner Engstrand, who was let go last Tuesday.
Glenn conducted an in-person second interview with Reich on Tuesday. Reich was one of three known finalists for the position. The Jets also held second interviews Monday with Darrell Bevell and Greg Roman. Reich was considered the front-runner all along.
“Frank has a rare combination of experience, creativity and calm under pressure,” Glenn said in a statement. “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.”
Initially, Glenn planned to keep Engstrand but was expected to strip him of his play-calling duties. Wanting a more experienced coach, Glenn reportedly was in conversations with Reich about that role while Engstrand was still on staff.
Ultimately, Glenn and Engstrand decided it wouldn’t work. Glenn moved on from Engstrand and had to hold a formal search for his successor. The Jets also had virtual interviews with Ronald Curry and Lunda Wells.
Reich, 64, spent 14 years in the NFL as a quarterback and 18 more as a coach. He played one season for the Jets and was teammates with Glenn on the 1996 team that went a franchise-worst 1-15.
Born in Freeport, Reich has been a head coach (Colts, Panthers), offensive coordinator (Eagles, Chargers) and quarterbacks coach (Chargers). He’s been out of the NFL since 2023. The Panthers fired Reich after 11 games in his only season as their coach. Reich was 1-10.
Most recently, Reich worked at Stanford as a senior adviser. He was Stanford’s interim head coach in 2025 and posted a 4-8 record.
“He is unique in his ability to see the game for what it is right now and adapt when appropriate,” Glenn said. “Frank understands offense and how to utilize strength of players. I am looking forward to how he will help this team have success.”
Reich was the Colts' coach from 2018-22. He guided them to the postseason in two of his first three seasons. Indianapolis was a top-10 offense both playoff years. Reich was fired nine games into the 2022 season. He compiled a 40-33-1 record with Indianapolis.
Prior to that, Reich spent two seasons as the Eagles’ offensive coordinator. Doug Pederson was the primary play-caller, but Reich helped develop Carson Wentz and won Super Bowl LII with Philadelphia.
Reich also served as the Chargers offensive coordinator (2014-15) and quarterbacks coach (2013) and the Cardinals wide receivers coach (2012). Reich got his start in coaching with Indianapolis as an intern in 2006 before being promoted to offensive assistant.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
