The New York Jets have made a move that’s raising more than a few eyebrows - hiring Frank Reich as their offensive coordinator. After years of offensive futility and a carousel of quarterback misfires, it’s understandable that Jets fans are approaching this one with cautious optimism, if not outright skepticism.
Yes, Reich is 62. Yes, his last stints in Indianapolis and Carolina didn’t exactly end with confetti and champagne.
And no, the Jets still don’t have a clear long-term answer under center. But for all the concerns, there’s one thing Reich brings to the table that this franchise has sorely lacked for years: a deep, lived-in understanding of the quarterback position.
Reich’s Resume: Built Around QBs
Frank Reich’s football life has revolved around quarterbacks - first as one, then as a coach. He spent 13 seasons in the NFL as a backup quarterback, a role that demands both humility and a sharp football mind. He wasn’t just holding a clipboard; he was absorbing the game from the best seat in the house.
After stepping away from football for nearly a decade, Reich returned to the league as a coach with the Colts, focusing - no surprise - on quarterbacks. From there, he worked his way through quarterback rooms and offensive coordinator roles in San Diego and Philadelphia before landing the head coaching job in Indy.
His track record with signal-callers is no fluke. Reich was in the building with Peyton Manning during the twilight of his Colts run.
He helped guide Philip Rivers to one of his more efficient seasons late in his career. And let’s not forget his role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl run, where he helped Carson Wentz play at an MVP level before Nick Foles stepped in and finished the job.
Reich didn’t just manage those quarterbacks - he elevated them.
That’s the kind of experience the Jets have been missing.
A Different Kind of Offensive Mind
What separates Reich from some of the other offensive minds the Jets have hired in recent years is his approach. He’s not purely a scheme guy - though he’s certainly capable in that department.
Reich’s strength lies in understanding the human side of the quarterback position. He knows the pressure, the rhythm, the mental toll.
And he’s built a reputation as a coach who can connect with his quarterbacks, not just diagram plays for them.
This is where his hire could be a game-changer.
The Jets haven’t had a coach like this in years - maybe ever. Sam Darnold came into the league with Todd Bowles and Chan Gailey, a pairing that never quite clicked in terms of quarterback development.
Zach Wilson had Mike LaFleur, but the structure around him was shaky from the start. The late Greg Knapp was supposed to be that quarterback whisperer for Wilson, but tragedy struck before he could even begin.
Reich, in many ways, fills that void. He’s the kind of coach who can walk into a quarterback room and immediately command respect - not just because of his résumé, but because he’s been there.
He knows what it’s like to be the backup, the starter, the guy under fire. That perspective matters, especially for a team that’s still trying to figure out who its next franchise quarterback is.
A Step Toward Stability
There are still plenty of questions surrounding the Jets’ offense. Reich’s scheme will need to evolve after a few years away from the league. And of course, none of this works unless the Jets find a quarterback who can execute the vision.
But for the first time in a long time, the Jets are addressing their biggest issue - quarterback development - with a hire that actually makes sense. Reich brings credibility, experience, and a proven track record of working with quarterbacks at every stage of their careers.
It’s not flashy. It’s not a headline-grabbing move. But it might be exactly what this team needs.
After 15 years of offensive instability, the Jets are finally putting a veteran hand at the wheel - someone who’s been in the trenches, who understands the position inside and out, and who might just be able to guide this franchise out of the quarterback wilderness.