The Jets’ search for a new offensive coordinator is heating up, and on Tuesday, they took a closer look at a familiar name: Frank Reich.
Reich met with the team in person, marking his second interview for the position after a virtual meeting last week. That makes him the third candidate to get a second look from the Jets, joining Dolphins quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator Darrell Bevell and former Chargers OC Greg Roman, both of whom also interviewed on Monday.
The Jets have cast a wide net in this search. Along with Reich, Bevell, and Roman, they’ve also spoken virtually with Ronald Curry and Lunda Wells.
It’s clear the organization is being thorough, and they have good reason to be. After a 3-14 season and an offense that struggled mightily, they need a strong voice to reset the tone on that side of the ball.
The coaching staff has already seen major turnover under head coach Aaron Glenn. Only five position coaches from last year remain: DB/pass game coordinator Chris Harris, special teams coordinator Chris Banjo, wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson, offensive line coach Steve Heiden, and running backs coach Nic McKissic-Luke. That’s a significant shake-up, especially considering Glenn only took the reins a year ago.
Reich, 64, brings both experience and a track record of success-though recent years have been rocky. After a 13-year playing career in the NFL, he transitioned into coaching and made his mark as the Eagles’ offensive coordinator during their Super Bowl run in 2017. That earned him a head coaching job with the Colts, where he served from 2018 until midway through the 2022 season.
In 2023, Reich was hired by the Panthers, but that stint was short-lived. He was let go after a 1-10 start. He spent last season as Stanford’s interim head coach, guiding the team to a 4-8 finish, including a 3-5 record in ACC play.
Despite the recent setbacks, Reich remains a respected offensive mind, and his experience could be exactly what the Jets need to stabilize their offense. Whoever gets the job will be tasked with a major rebuild.
The Jets finished 29th in both yards and scoring, and the quarterback carousel didn’t help. Garrett Wilson, their top wideout, missed 10 games with a knee injury, and after nine starts, Justin Fields was benched.
Tyrod Taylor and undrafted rookie Brady Cook split the final seven games, with Cook starting the last four-games in which the Jets were outscored 188-54.
This is more than just a coordinator hire. It’s a chance for the Jets to reset their offensive identity. With Reich in the mix for a second time and the team continuing to evaluate multiple options, it’s clear they’re looking for someone who can bring stability, vision, and results.