Jets Bring in Super Bowl-Winning Coach Frank Reich as New Offensive Coordinator
The New York Jets are hiring veteran coach Frank Reich to lead their offense as the team’s new offensive coordinator, a move that reunites the 64-year-old coach with head coach Aaron Glenn, who was a defensive back when Reich played for the Jets in 1996.[1][2] Reich will handle play-calling duties for an offense that finished 29th in total yards and points last season, according to multiple reports on Wednesday.
Reich’s appointment marks his return to the NFL after spending 2025 as Stanford’s interim head coach under a one-year agreement. The Cardinals had tapped him in March after firing coach Troy Taylor, when general manager Andrew Luck—whom Reich previously coached on the Indianapolis Colts—appointed him to stabilize the program. Reich helped Stanford avoid a lost season, including a victory over Florida State, before transitioning to a senior adviser role when Stanford hired a permanent head coach in November.[1]
A Proven Offensive Mind Returns
Reich brings nearly two decades of NFL coaching experience and is best remembered for his role as Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator during their 2017 Super Bowl LII championship season.[1][2] He previously served as the San Diego Chargers’ offensive coordinator from 2014-2015 before joining the Eagles, where he established himself as an innovative play-caller.
The Jets interviewed five offensive coordinator candidates virtually last week, including Greg Roman, Darrell Bevell, Ronald Curry, and Lunda Wells. However, the team’s pursuit of Reich accelerated after his Jan. 28 interview, ultimately leading to his hiring.[1]
Building on Head Coaching Experience
Before his Stanford tenure, Reich served as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts from 2018 to 2022, compiling a 40-33-1 regular season record and leading the team to two playoff appearances.[1][2] His tenure with the Colts included navigating the transition after Andrew Luck’s unexpected retirement. However, his most recent head coaching role proved short-lived—Reich was dismissed just 11 games into the 2023 season with the Carolina Panthers after the team started 1-10.[1]
This new position allows Reich to focus exclusively on offensive strategy and quarterback development, an area where he has demonstrated considerable expertise. The Jets are expected to explore quarterback options in both free agency and the draft this offseason, making Reich’s guidance crucial to the team’s turnaround.[1]
Jets Seek Offensive Turnaround
The Jets finished their 2025 season with a disappointing 3-14 record in Glenn’s inaugural year as head coach, with the offense ranking 32nd in passing yards per game.[1] The team cycled through multiple starting quarterbacks—including Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and Brady Cook—with limited success, highlighting the need for systematic offensive improvement.
Reich’s appointment completes the top tier of Glenn’s coaching staff alongside newly hired defensive coordinator Brian Duker. The Jets dismissed previous offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand in late January after just one season, signaling the organization’s commitment to a complete offensive overhaul.[1]
A New Chapter in New York
Reich’s hiring reunites him with Glenn in a different capacity than their 1996 Jets connection, when Reich appeared in seven games as a backup quarterback while Glenn played defensive back for the organization.[2] Now, as the team’s primary offensive architect, Reich will work directly with Glenn to implement a cohesive strategy aimed at elevating one of the league’s most underwhelming offenses.
The 64-year-old coach returns to a coordinator role for the first time since his Eagles tenure, and observers believe his focus on offense—rather than the comprehensive responsibilities of a head coach—may allow him to flourish. His familiarity with developing quarterbacks and proven track record in the role suggests the Jets believe he can catalyze the significant improvement the organization desperately needs.
