The New York Jets still have a big question mark at the most important position on the field - but they’ve just taken a step toward finding some answers. While the starting quarterback job for 2026 remains wide open, the team has locked in its new quarterbacks coach: Bill Musgrave.
Musgrave brings a wealth of experience to the role. At 58, he’s been around the NFL block more than a few times, serving as both a quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator across multiple teams. Most recently, he held the QB coach role with the Cleveland Browns, where he worked with a rotation of signal-callers and helped navigate a challenging season under center.
Joining Musgrave on the revamped offensive staff are Thomas Merkle, who steps in as assistant quarterbacks coach, Al Netter as assistant offensive line coach, and Matthew Sargent as an offensive assistant. It’s a fresh group, and the Jets are clearly hoping this new coaching mix can bring some stability - and maybe even a spark - to a unit that’s been searching for answers.
Now, about that quarterback situation. The Jets are coming off a rocky year with Justin Fields, who signed a two-year, $40 million deal last offseason but didn’t deliver as hoped. Whether it was scheme fit, performance, or a combination of both, Fields struggled to take command of the offense, and it’s tough to picture him as the Week 1 starter in 2026.
Behind him, the depth chart is crowded but uncertain. Brady Cook, Tyrod Taylor, and Hendon Hooker are all on the roster, but none has a clear grip on the top job.
Cook is young and unproven, Taylor is the veteran presence, and Hooker is still developing. That’s not exactly a settled room - and it’s almost a lock that the Jets will bring in at least one more quarterback this offseason, whether it’s through the draft, free agency, or a trade.
Musgrave’s arrival signals that the Jets are serious about getting this position right. He’s worked with a wide range of quarterbacks over the years - from veterans to rookies - and he’s known for being detail-oriented and adaptable. That’s exactly what this group needs: someone who can evaluate the talent in the room, develop it, and help shape the offense around whoever ultimately wins the job.
This isn’t just about finding a quarterback. It’s about building a foundation that can support sustained offensive success.
The Jets have been chasing that for years. With Musgrave now in the fold and a new-look offensive staff taking shape, the pieces are starting to come together.
The next step? Figuring out who’s going to lead this offense onto the field in Week 1 - and beyond.