The NFL Offseason is a time of reflection. All 32 teams (even those still in the playoffs) are using this time to plan for the future. While they need to wait til March to address the 53-man roster (officially), teams can still make coaching changes. While head coach openings are stealing the headlines, there are also assistant coaches losing or taking new jobs. The Jets staff is no exception.
On Friday, reports came out that six assistants on Aaron Glenn’s coaching staff won’t return. Among them are passing game coordinator Scott Turner and quarterbacks coach Charles London. One coach, however, who will be retained is offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand. But, there’s a caveat. While Engstrand is expected to remain offensive coordinator, this could include a shift in responsibilities. One that could jeopardize his role as offensive play caller.
The Jets Staff Changing to Help Offense
The first year of the new regime could have gone better. Despite losing only two more games than last year, the New York Jets still finished with an abysmal 3-14 record in 2025. While the team’s defense finished 31st in points allowed, their offense didn’t fare much better. In his first season as head coach, Aaron Glenn and the Jets finished 29th in points per game. A knee injury to star wide receiver Garrett Wilson and poor play from starting quarterback Justin Fields only exacerbated the issues. The offense was run by first-year offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand. Before taking the job, Engstrand spent five seasons with the Detroit Lions. Then, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn saw firsthand how Engstrand assisted Ben Johnson in forming one of the best offenses in the league in Detroit.
After his first season, the coaching staff is getting a shake-up. In a report broken by NFL & Houston Texans reporter Aaron Wilson, the Jets are making some changes to the coaching staff. After being verified by ESPN’s Rich Cimini, six assistant coaches won’t return in 2026. These include quarterbacks coach Charles London and the passing game coordinator Scott Turner on offense. Before arriving in New York, London transitioned from running back coach to QB coach in 2021. He previously served in that position with the Atlanta Falcons, Tennessee Titans, and Seattle Seahawks. Scott Turner, son of longtime Los Angeles Chargers head coach Norv Turner, was previously with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024. He was promoted from passing game coordinator to offensive coordinator in November after the dismissal of Luke Getsy.
Along with defensive line coach Eric Washington, linebacker coach Aaron Curry, defensive backs coach Dre Bly, plus defensive assistants Roosevelt Williams and Alonso Escalante. Fortunately for him, Engstrand will stick around in 2026. However, his responsibilities could look different.
Offensive Coordinator Tanner Engstrand’s role as play caller is in jeopardy?
After one season as the offensive playcaller, Engstrand could lose that role in his job in 2026. As confirmed by Rich Cimini, Engstrand’s role could change next year. The Jets finished with the league’s worst passing yards per game last year. While it’s a failure on the offense, the entire responsibility can’t fall solely on Engatrand’s shoulders. Starting quarterback Justin Fields took a major stepback after showing some progress with the Steelers in limited action in 2024. After consistently missing reads and taking drive-stalling sacks, the passing game was stagnant. Despite a slight improvement after his benching, backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor isn’t a viable starting option long-term. But nothing was as wearying as watching Brady Cook struggle in his first NFL action for the last third of the season.
#Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrad remains on Aaron Glenn staff, per league sources, while role. responsibilities, structure of #NFL 29th ranked total, scoring offense expected to change, and still being defined @KPRC2 https://t.co/lmezWBvdSA
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) January 24, 2026
Now, the team is looking to course correct. It’s expected that New York will look to bring in a veteran offensive voice to help aid Engstrand next year. While the team is still searching for its next defensive coordinator. Adding a veteran coach to help Engstrand isn’t a bad idea. Despite years of NFL experience, Charles London’s background focusing on running backs made him a conflicting choice as quarterbacks coach. Between 2014 and 2020, London initially served as running back coach for the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears. Providing Engstrand with a veteran experienced at developing quarterbacks could pay off. Especially if New York intends to draft a development project at quarterback after day two of the NFL Draft this spring. However, demoting Engstrand might be detrimental.
Demoting Engstrand could do more harm than good.
Entering 2026, Aaron Glenn recognizes his job is in jeopardy. Another 0-7 start by Halloween could likely cost him his job. So seeking a veteran perspective to help the offense is wise. Even a fresh voice as a play caller could work in theory. Nonetheless, it would be wrong to undercut Engstrand this early in his coordinator career. The team is already struggling to hire a defensive coordinator. Adding the search for another coordinator would be a bad look already.
Despite the struggles on offense, Engstrand shown flashes of a bright future. The 43-year-old coach helped star running back Breece Hall have a career year, becoming the eighth running back in team history to rush for 1,000 yards. Due largely to Hall’s contributions, the Jets finished the year with the 10th most rushing yards per game. In addition, the early returns of wide receiver Adonai Mitchell have given hope for an improved wide receiver room with an upgrade at quarterback. In addition, rookie tight end Mason Taylor was having one of the best seasons in franchise history at the position. Despite missing four games, Taylor finished within the top 20 in rookie receiving yards for a season.
Engstrand has a lot of developing to do as an offensive coordinator. Getting him to work with an experienced play caller would be big for his growth. But, hopefully, he’ll get the chance to show some growth if he remains as the play caller in 2026.
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