Jets QB coach looking to 'tailor our system' towards Geno Smith

The New York Jets were looking for an adult at quarterback this offseason, and they found one in their former second-round draft pick, Geno Smith.

It's been a long time since Smith last suited up for the Jets, and a decade of growth in places like Seattle has only helped the 35-year-old develop into a better quarterback.

He may not be an MVP-caliber player, but he's still a solid passer, and that's better than anything the Jets have seen in recent memory.

Heading into 2026, New York is hoping a revamped supporting cast and veteran coaching will help Smith turn back the clock to his Pro Bowl days in Seattle, and the Jets coaching staff is doing everything they can to make him comfortable.

Jets molding their offense around Geno Smith's mechanics and skillset

Jets quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave, who was hired this offseason by new offensive coordinator Frank Reich, spoke to the media about the team's quarterback and how they plan on installing their offense around him.

"Think the mechanics are what they are, especially with Geno at his age, really with a lot of QBs, they've kind of evolved to be in where they are mechanically...So, the footwork is always at the forefront of what we talk about technique-wise, but otherwise, we're really thinking players before plays, and what Geno does well, we want to be able to tailor our system, which Frank (Reich) does to a great degree. Tailor the system, tailor the concepts to fit Geno's skillset."

Bill Musgrave

While the Jets were on their hunt for a quarterback in February and early March, the widespread discussion centered on what available signal callers fit Reich's preferred mold.

Smith made a lot of sense. He's a tall (6-foot-3) quarterback who has the ability to stand in the pocket and a strong arm to deliver throws downfield.

Maybe his arm wasn't what it once was, but what Smith now lacks in physical capabilities, he has gained in experience in 98 career starts.

The former West Virginia standout has seen enough football now that he doesn't need to just rely on his arm and legs to make plays.

At this point in his career, Smith knows what it takes to succeed at one of the most difficult positions in sports, and if Reich and Musgrave can make him comfortable within the Jets offense, unlike what Chip Kelly did with the Las Vegas Raiders, New York should be in good hands.

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