Frank Reich is 'on the list' of potential NY Jets OC candidates

Justin Fried

NY Jets, Frank Reich / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

The NY Jets are expected to cast a "wide net" in their search for the team's next offensive coordinator, and one name they're hoping to snag in that net is former Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich.

The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt reported on Thursday that Reich is "expected to be on the list" of potential replacements for the departed Mike LaFleur. However, it remains to be seen if Reich seriously considers the opening.

As Rosenblatt points out, Reich is expected to receive multiple head coach interviews, and he already conducted one with the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday. On top of that, the Jets' offensive coordinator job isn't exactly the most enticing opening for multiple reasons.

The Jets would absolutely love to add Reich to their offensive staff — it would be a home-run hire. Unfortunately, Rosenblatt insists that it's "unlikely" the Jets are able to convince Reich to join the organization.

The Jets want Frank Reich, but the feeling likely isn't mutual

Reich was fired by the Colts in early November following a disappointing 3-5-1 start to the season. He found moderate success during his five years in Indianapolis despite the ever-present revolving door that was the Colts' quarterback situation.

It was widely speculated that Reich would have numerous opportunities available this offseason once the Colts opted to move on, and that seems to be the case. There's a good chance he's a head coach somewhere in the NFL in 2023.

If not, however, would he actually agree to join the Jets? Consider it unlikely.

The Jets' offensive coordinator opening won't be very attractive to prospective coaches, as Rosenblatt noted. The team doesn't have a QB in place and coaches are well aware that the position could be a one-year trial if the Jets fail to make the playoffs in 2023.

Combine that with the historical game of musical chairs that has been the Jets' offensive coordinator job over the last decade-plus and it would be very difficult to convince a top candidate like Reich to agree to a deal. That's part of what made the decision to move on from Mike LaFleur so confusing.

Reich is a pipedream for the Jets — a no-brainer, home-run hire that would immediately add legitimacy to both the Jets' offense and the team's coaching staff. Woody Johnson may be willing to spend, but money only goes so far.

The Jets want Frank Reich, but Frank Reich probably doesn't want the Jets. That's just the unfortunate reality of the situation.

Justin Fried

Justin Fried is an editor for FanSided who has over seven years of experience covering the NFL and various other sports. A diehard Jets fan since birth, Justin has served as the editor for The Jet Press since 2019, interviewing athletes such as Sauce Gardner, Curtis Martin, LaDainian Tomlinson, Joe Klecko, and many others. Justin has also worked closely with brands like Red Bull to help highlight the niche sectors of the sporting world. His four-part series on the sport of breaking remains one of his proudest pieces of work. In his spare time, Justin is an avid pro wrestling fan who is fortunate enough to have traveled to nearly 30 different countries.