Jets offensive coordinator finalist could end up joining staff in unexpected role

The New York Jets wasted little time kicking off their offensive coordinator search last week, and just days after Tanner Engstrand was fired, the first finalist for the job has already been revealed.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Saturday that longtime NFL assistant Greg Roman, recently fired by the Los Angeles Chargers last month, will interview in person for the Jets' offensive coordinator position "early next week."

Roman was one of five candidates the Jets held virtual interviews with last week, along with the likes of former NFL head coach Frank Reich, Miami Dolphins passing game coordinator Darrell Bevell, Buffalo Bills quarterbacks coach Ronald Curry, and Dallas Cowboys tight ends coach Lunda Wells.

Roman is one of the most experienced and qualified coaches on that list, but that doesn't mean he'd be an inspiring option. That said, the Jets could — and probably should — be eyeing a different role for Roman entirely.

The Jets could hire Greg Roman as an assistant on Aaron Glenn's staff

SNY's Connor Hughes added on to Fowler's report, insisting that the Jets are "looking for multiple coaches on the offensive side of the ball" and that Roman could ultimately be hired for a different role.

Hughes has maintained that the aforementioned Reich remains the odds-on favorite for the Jets’ offensive coordinator job, but even if the team ultimately goes in that direction, it doesn't mean the rest of the interview process was merely a formality.

The Jets’ discussions with Roman and the other candidates may have extended beyond the offensive coordinator position itself. It is possible the team used those meetings to gauge interest in other offensive staff roles if Reich is hired.

This is a fairly standard practice across the league, as teams often use coordinator interviews to evaluate broader fits within a coaching staff rather than viewing each meeting strictly as a search for the top job.

Of note, Roman is currently unemployed after he was fired by the Chargers last month. Given his recent lack of success in both Los Angeles and Baltimore, it's hard to imagine him landing another offensive coordinator job, assuming the Jets don't hire him.

That means he should be looking for his next opportunity, and it is possible one could come on the Jets’ offensive staff, presumably under Reich. There may even be a perfect role for him within that structure.

Roman has long been praised for designing elite rushing attacks, even as his track record with passing games has been far more inconsistent. That could actually make him an ideal fit for the Jets in a specialized role such as running game coordinator or senior offensive assistant.

He could focus on helping the offensive coordinator install and fine-tune the run game each week without carrying full play-calling responsibilities. That seems to be a much more appealing role for Roman at this stage.

The Jets could be using this in-person interview with Roman to evaluate whether he fits into a more specialized role on the offensive staff rather than viewing him strictly as a coordinator candidate.

Hiring Greg Roman as offensive coordinator would be a brutal choice for the Jets, but bringing him in as a running game coordinator could be an excellent addition to Aaron Glenn’s staff. Used correctly, Roman’s strengths could elevate the offense without exposing his biggest weaknesses.