The New York Jets are starting to reshape their coaching staff and potentially their quarterback room, and the moves on the table are raising eyebrows for all the right reasons. The team has locked in Brian Duker as their new defensive coordinator-a name that might not pop off the page for casual fans, but one that carries real weight in coaching circles. A former Miami Dolphins assistant and a protégé of Aaron Glenn, Duker brings a fresh defensive perspective to a Jets unit that already has talent but needs sharper execution and consistency.
With the defensive side of the ball now under new leadership, the Jets turn their attention to the offensive coordinator role-a spot that suddenly opened up after the unexpected departure of Tanner Engstrand. And the frontrunner to fill that void? Frank Reich.
Yes, that Frank Reich. The former Eagles offensive coordinator who helped engineer one of the most balanced and explosive offenses in recent memory, and the ex-Colts head coach who’s long been known for his quarterback acumen. Most recently, Reich spent time as Stanford’s interim head coach, but make no mistake-his NFL résumé remains highly respected, especially when it comes to developing quarterbacks and building cohesive offensive systems.
And that’s where things get interesting.
If Reich does land in New York, don’t be surprised if he has a major voice in choosing the team’s next quarterback. After the Justin Fields experiment fizzled out, the Jets are once again in search of stability under center. And Reich’s track record gives us a clue about the type of quarterback he might prefer.
Enter Jacoby Brissett.
Brissett and Reich have history. The two spent three seasons together in Indianapolis, with Brissett stepping in as the Colts’ starter in 2019 after Andrew Luck’s sudden retirement. That year, Brissett threw 18 touchdowns to just six interceptions-a solid campaign that showcased his ability to protect the football and operate efficiently within Reich’s offense.
Fast forward to 2025, and Brissett may have had his best statistical season yet, even if the win-loss column didn’t reflect it. In 12 starts for Arizona, he posted 23 touchdowns against eight interceptions and set a new personal best in passing yards.
It’s the kind of production that flies under the radar but speaks volumes about a veteran who knows how to manage a game and minimize mistakes. And when you consider that Brissett holds the lowest interception rate in NFL history among qualified quarterbacks, it’s easy to see why a coach like Aaron Glenn-who reportedly values ball security above all else-would appreciate what Brissett brings to the table.
Now, compare that to the other name floating around in trade rumors: Kyler Murray. While Murray’s ceiling is undeniably higher, the cost to acquire him would be significantly steeper, both in terms of draft capital and salary cap hit. Brissett, on the other hand, could be had for a fraction of the price, and he offers something the Jets have sorely lacked-stability.
That’s the key word here: stability. The Jets aren’t necessarily looking for a long-term franchise quarterback in 2026.
They’re looking for someone who can steady the ship, execute the offense, and keep the team competitive while they potentially eye a young quarterback in the 2027 draft. Brissett fits that mold to a tee.
Of course, not every Jets fan is going to be thrilled about the idea of a Reich-Brissett pairing leading the offense. It’s not the flashiest move.
But given the alternatives-and the current state of the quarterback market-it might be one of the more practical paths forward. Reich brings a proven system and a steady hand.
Brissett brings experience, efficiency, and familiarity with that system.
It’s not a blockbuster. But it could be exactly what the Jets need.