The New York Jets have officially tapped Frank Reich as their new offensive coordinator, closing the loop on a winding search that began with Reich as a possible senior offensive assistant. Instead, the Jets are handing him the keys to the offense outright, parting ways with Tanner Engstrand after just one season.
This move gives head coach Aaron Glenn and the Jets some much-needed clarity on the coaching front. With Brian Duker already in place as defensive coordinator, the focus now shifts to the other major question looming over the Jets’ offseason: the quarterback position.
Let’s be honest-no matter who’s calling plays, the Jets need more stability under center. And while the team will explore every avenue, from the draft board to the free agent market, one thing is certain: a veteran quarterback is coming to town. The only question is who.
Enter Jacoby Brissett.
Why Jacoby Brissett Makes Sense for the Jets
The connection between Frank Reich and Jacoby Brissett isn’t just a footnote-it’s a real foundation. Reich has a type when it comes to quarterbacks.
He likes his signal-callers big, tough, and able to operate from the pocket with poise. Think Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, Andrew Luck, Matt Ryan.
Brissett fits that mold like a glove.
At 6'4", 235 pounds, Brissett brings the physical profile Reich has worked with throughout his coaching career. More importantly, the two already have history.
Brissett spent four seasons in Indianapolis, three of them under Reich. In 2019, when Brissett was the full-time starter, he put together a solid campaign: 2,942 yards, 18 touchdowns, just six interceptions, and a 60.8% completion rate.
The Colts finished 7-9 that year-not spectacular, but Brissett proved he could run Reich’s system efficiently.
Since then, Brissett has taken on the role of journeyman quarterback, but he’s done it with quiet consistency. Stops in Miami, Cleveland, Washington, New England (again), and most recently Arizona have only added to his experience. And last season with the Cardinals, he showed he’s still got it.
Brissett’s 2025 Season Deserves a Closer Look
With Kyler Murray sidelined for most of the year due to a foot injury, Brissett stepped in and started 12 games. The Cardinals struggled overall, going just 1-11 in those starts, but Brissett’s individual performance told a different story.
He completed 65.1% of his passes for 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions-numbers that landed him in the top 15 among NFL quarterbacks in both passing yards and touchdowns. For a guy who came into the season as a backup, that’s more than respectable. That’s a veteran doing his job, even when the situation around him isn’t ideal.
Why Brissett Might Be the Right Fit Over Kyler Murray
There’s been plenty of chatter connecting the Jets to Kyler Murray, and on paper, it makes sense. Murray has the talent and the upside, but there are real concerns-injuries, inconsistency, and questions about leadership that just won’t go away.
Brissett, on the other hand, offers a lower-risk, high-floor option. He knows Reich’s system.
He’s durable. He’s a leader in the locker room.
And perhaps most importantly, he’s not going to break the bank or require a dramatic overhaul of the offense to fit his skill set.
That’s not to say Brissett is a long-term answer. But as a bridge quarterback-someone who can stabilize the offense while the Jets develop a younger option or wait for the right long-term fit-he checks a lot of boxes.
The Bottom Line
With Frank Reich now officially running the Jets’ offense, the quarterback conversation becomes more focused. Reich’s preference for experienced, pocket-savvy passers makes Jacoby Brissett an intriguing option-especially given their shared history and Brissett’s quietly productive 2025 season.
The Jets will still explore all their options. That includes Kyler Murray, the draft, and other veterans on the market.
But Brissett is no longer just a name on the list-he’s a legitimate candidate to lead this offense in 2026. And if the Jets want to hit the ground running with Reich at the helm, bringing in a quarterback who already speaks his language might be the smartest move they can make.