Jets’ OC interviews may reveal more than just the expected Frank Reich hire

The New York Jets are in the market for a new offensive coordinator, and all signs continue to point to former NFL head coach Frank Reich joining Aaron Glenn's staff as Tanner Engstrand's replacement.

Reich was one of five candidates the Jets announced they completed virtual interviews with on Wednesday in what has been a speed run of a coaching search. The rest of the list alongside Reich hardly inspired confidence as legitimate alternative options.

That list includes Miami Dolphins passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Darrell Bevell, Buffalo Bills quarterbacks coach Ronald Curry, former Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman, and Dallas Cowboys tight ends coach Lunda Wells.

There isn't a particularly appealing offensive coordinator candidate on that list, but there may be more than meets the eye here. The Jets might have other reasons for bringing in those specific coaches.

What the Jets' offensive coordinator list tells us about Frank Reich's potential staff

Barring a repeat Wink Martindale situation or a sudden change of heart, all indications are that Reich will end up as the Jets' new offensive coordinator. But that doesn't mean the other four coaches the Jets interviewed are just there to satisfy a quota.

The Jets may have been meeting with those candidates to discuss more than just the offensive coordinator role. It’s possible that those conversations also explored the idea of joining Reich’s staff in other offensive assistant capacities.

This type of approach is fairly common around the league. Teams will often interview coordinators not only as potential hires, but also as a way to identify fits for supporting roles within a larger coaching structure once a lead assistant is in place.

That might be what the Jets were doing in this scenario. Of note, three of the four non-Reich candidates are either unemployed or part of coaching staffs in flux. The likes of Bevell, Curry, and Roman might be looking for new jobs.

Roman is the most experienced name of the three, having spent over a decade as an offensive coordinator in the NFL. He had varying levels of success with both the Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers and is widely known for his ability to put together advanced rushing attacks.

Bevell has been the quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator of the Dolphins for the past four seasons under Mike McDaniel, but new head coach Jeff Hafley hired ex-Jets assistant Nathaniel Hackett — yes, that Nathaniel Hackett — to be their new QBs coach on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Curry also interviewed for the Broncos' offensive coordinator job this week, but the assumption is that Denver will keep it in-house with a Davis Webb promotion. Curry crossed over with Aaron Glenn in New Orleans and has been the Bills' quarterbacks coach for each of the last two seasons.

It's possible Glenn and the Jets could look to add one of Roman, Bevell, or Curry to their staff under Reich, if the longtime Indianapolis Colts head coach is ultimately hired. All three are names to keep a close eye on over the coming days.

Those names may not be seriously competing for the Jets' offensive coordinator job, but they could still play a meaningful role in how Glenn and Reich's staff comes together.