Last year, many believed the Detroit Lions were going to promote internally when offensive coordinator Ben Johnson left to become the Chicago Bears head coach. Among the internal names most likely to take
that job was then pass game coordinator Tanner Engstrand. The Lions obviously opted to go elsewhere, and Engstrand ended up following Aaron Glenn to be the offensive coordinator of the New York Jets.
Engstrand lasted just a year with the Jets and Glenn, as there are now multiple reports that New York has parted ways with the young offensive coordinator. There appeared to be initial plans to strip him of play-calling duties, but after discussions between Glenn and Engstrand, the two sides are splitting after an extremely disappointing 3-14 season in 2025.
Opinions on Engstrand’s first year as offensive coordinator were certainly mixed. The Jets finished 29th in point scored, averaging just 17.6 points per game, but their issues ran deep. They didn’t have a quarterback they could trust, their defense wasn’t helping play complementary football, and their skill positions are not filled of a ton of talent. On the positive side, despite their struggles, Engstrand helped develop a running game that finished 10th in total yards, and some believe he showed some promise as a first-time play caller.
It has been a turbulent first year for Glenn and the Jets. Not only did they finish with just three wins, but Glenn has now parted ways with a huge faction of his coaching staff after just one year. The following coaches were fired:
- Offensive coordinator
- Defensive coordinator
- QB coach
- Pass game coordinator
- DL coach
- Two defensive assistants
- LB coach
As for Engstrand, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him land an opportunity quickly. He obviously has roots with both the Lions and the Bears (Johnson). He’s also coached under Jim Harbaugh, so he could join the Chargers’ offensive staff under new coordinator Mike McDaniel.
Is there room for Engstrand with the Lions? It’s hard to say without knowing Mike Kafka’s specific role, but it’s worth pointing out that Engstrand was the team’s tight end coach in 2022 and that appears to be a current vacancy on Detroit’s coaching staff after Tyler Roehl left this offseason to become Iowa State’s offensive coordinator.
