Jets reportedly eyeing shocking demotion for OC Tanner Engstrand

The New York Jets made major changes to their coaching staff on Friday night, parting ways with a number of assistant coaches as the team continues its search for a new defensive coordinator. But it seems more high-profile adjustments could be coming to Aaron Glenn's staff.

KPRC NFL insider Aaron Wilson reported Friday night that while the Jets are expected to retain offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand going into 2026, his role may very well be changing.

Wilson reported that Engstrand’s “role and responsibilities,” along with the overall “structure” of the Jets’ offense, are expected to change this offseason. He didn’t elaborate on what that specifically entails, but it isn’t difficult to read between the lines.

The Jets appear prepared to demote Engstrand, or at least strip him of play-calling duties. Whether he keeps his offensive coordinator title remains unclear, but it seems unlikely the team plans to run it back in 2026 with the same offensive structure it used last season.

Jets plan to demote Tanner Engstrand in some capacity this offseason

Engstrand's first year as an offensive coordinator was far from perfect. The Jets finished with the 29th-ranked offense in both scoring and total yards, also ranking 29th in EPA/play and success rate.

And while Engstrand deserves some of the blame for the Jets' offensive struggles, more often than not, the blame seemed to be shifted more to the team's quarterback room. Engstrand wasn't working with much this past season.

In fact, despite the Jets' quarterback woes, Engstrand managed to lead an offense that ranked top-10 in rushing and sixth in the NFL in yards per carry. The Jets had some semblance of an identity on offense, even if it was hindered by their QB play.

That’s why most assumed Engstrand’s job was safe. The Jets’ 2025 offensive tape regularly featured open receivers and creative play design that the team’s quarterbacks simply failed to capitalize on. In the eyes of many, Engstrand showed enough to warrant another year.

The Jets seem to disagree, however. Glenn clearly likes Engstrand enough to keep him on his staff, but the wording of Wilson's report certainly suggests he will not be the primary play-caller in 2026.

It’s possible the Jets look to bring in a veteran offensive coach to serve either as a co-offensive coordinator alongside Engstrand or as his direct superior, with Engstrand taking on a reduced title or role.

Veteran assistants with direct ties to Glenn include coaches like John Morton and Pete Carmichael, both of whom have crossed paths with the Jets’ head coach in the past.

Morton, who spent a season as the Jets’ offensive coordinator in 2017, worked with Glenn in Detroit and served as the Lions’ offensive coordinator in 2024 before being let go after the season.

Carmichael previously overlapped with Glenn in New Orleans, where he spent 15 years as the Saints’ offensive coordinator, and has spent the last two seasons as a senior offensive assistant under Sean Payton in Denver.

Either way, more changes appear to be on the way for the Jets’ coaching staff. Aaron Glenn could find himself with two new coordinators and a new-look group of assistants after just one year on the job.