The New York Jets are continuing their search for a new offensive coordinator, and on Tuesday, they brought in a familiar NFL mind for an in-person interview: Frank Reich.
Yes, that Frank Reich - the longtime quarterback-turned-coach with deep ties across the league. The Jets confirmed the meeting via their official channels, adding Reich to a growing list of candidates vying to reshape an offense that’s been in need of a steady hand and a fresh vision.
Where Things Stand in the OC Search
As of now, the Jets’ OC candidate pool includes several notable names, with Reich and former Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman emerging as finalists. Other candidates who’ve interviewed include:
- Darrell Bevell, Dolphins quarterbacks coach
- Ronald Curry, Bills quarterbacks coach
- Lunda Wells, Cowboys tight ends coach
Each brings a different flavor of experience and offensive philosophy to the table, but Reich’s résumé stands out for both its depth and NFL head coaching pedigree.
Frank Reich: A Career Built on Resilience and Offensive Know-How
At 64, Reich’s football journey is as layered as it is long. He entered the league as a third-round pick of the Buffalo Bills back in 1985, carving out a 14-year playing career with stops in Buffalo, Carolina, New York (yes, a brief stint with the Jets), and Detroit. He’s best remembered as one of the most reliable backup quarterbacks of his era - and the architect of the largest comeback in NFL playoff history until recently.
But it’s Reich’s coaching arc that’s most relevant to the Jets right now.
He got his start on the sidelines with the Colts in 2008 as an offensive assistant and quickly climbed the ranks. After stops with the Cardinals and Chargers, he landed in Philadelphia in 2016 as Doug Pederson’s offensive coordinator. That Eagles offense - balanced, creative, and quarterback-friendly - helped lead Philly to its first Super Bowl title in the 2017 season.
Reich parlayed that success into a head coaching job with the Colts in 2018. Over five seasons in Indianapolis, he posted a 40-33-1 record and led the team to two playoff appearances.
His offenses were known for being adaptable - whether he had Andrew Luck, Philip Rivers, or a rotating cast under center, Reich found ways to keep the unit competitive. He wasn’t afraid to lean on the run game, either, which could appeal to a Jets team looking to maximize its young backfield.
His time in Carolina, however, was a different story. Reich’s stint as Panthers head coach in 2023 was short-lived, ending after a 1-10 start.
It was a tough situation - a rookie quarterback, a rebuilding roster, and limited offensive weapons. Still, the experience added another layer to his already rich coaching background.
Since then, Reich has stayed connected to the game, serving as a senior offensive assistant at Stanford. That role has kept him in the lab, so to speak, studying trends, helping develop young players, and staying sharp for his next NFL opportunity.
Why the Jets Might Be Interested
For the Jets, the appeal of Reich is clear. They’re not just looking for someone to call plays - they need a stabilizing force, a teacher, and a strategist who can work with their current quarterback situation (whatever that ends up being) and bring cohesion to a unit that struggled mightily last season.
Reich has a track record of doing just that. He’s worked with young QBs, veterans, and everyone in between.
He’s coached in high-pressure environments. He’s been a head coach, so he understands the broader demands of the job.
And perhaps most importantly, he’s known for building quarterback-friendly systems - something the Jets desperately need.
As the Jets continue to evaluate their options, Reich’s name will be one to watch. He’s not just a veteran coach looking for another shot - he’s someone who could bring much-needed structure and experience to a franchise aiming to turn the corner.