Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, where offensive minds can quickly shift from genius to outdated, is no easy task. This is the challenge facing the New York Jets' new offensive coordinator, Frank Reich.
Reich, known for his impressive career as a backup quarterback, built a reputation as a quarterback whisperer. His coaching journey saw him work with notable signal-callers like Phillip Rivers, Carson Wentz, Nick Foles, and Andrew Luck. Early on, his tenure as head coach in Indianapolis was marked by success, but over time, his strategies seemed to lose their edge.
Now, Reich is tasked with revitalizing a Jets offense that struggled last season. Concerns linger about whether his approach fits today’s game, but one of his former colleagues stands firmly in his corner.
Reich’s time as the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive coordinator from 2016 to 2017 was pivotal. Although he didn’t call plays, his role in developing Wentz and adapting the offense for Foles was instrumental in the Eagles' Super Bowl triumph. Former Eagles head coach Doug Pederson praised Reich’s influence, emphasizing the importance of his voice in the quarterbacks' room.
“Frank was a big part, a big mentor in that room. His voice matching up with my voice in that quarterbacks room became very important,” Pederson shared on The Official Jets Podcast.
“That’s what I was able to hand over to Frank at that time, obviously the game plans. But more importantly, because I couldn’t always be in the QBs room as much as I’d have liked to, Frank having that same voice for me was very important.”
Pederson also expressed confidence in head coach Aaron Glenn and the direction the Jets are heading with Reich’s appointment.
“I think it sends the right message to the team, that they’re heading in the right direction.”
Yet, questions remain. Is Reich’s system too outdated for today’s NFL, or is he precisely what the Jets need?
His success will largely depend on the quarterback and the offensive line's health. If these pieces fall into place, Reich could thrive as a play-caller.
The Jets haven’t consistently had both a strong quarterback and a solid offensive line in recent years. Reich's expertise might stabilize the offense, but ultimately, the players’ performance will determine the ceiling.
Great players can make any scheme shine, and skilled coaches can elevate average talent. When a team has both, magic happens. The Jets are banking on Reich’s arrival and new talent in 2026 to spark that magic.