Jets OC Search Continues as Frank Reich Emerges as Frontrunner - But Nothing’s Set in Stone
Good morning, Jets fans. As we roll into the final stretch of January, the search for New York’s next offensive coordinator remains one of the biggest question marks hanging over Florham Park. Frank Reich has reportedly emerged as the leading candidate among a group of five, but if recent history tells us anything, it’s that nothing is guaranteed when it comes to Jets hiring decisions.
Just look at what happened with the defensive coordinator spot. Wink Martindale was all but penciled in for the job - then, in classic Jets fashion, the team made a surprise pivot and hired someone who wasn’t even in the first round of interviews.
That kind of unpredictability has become a hallmark of this franchise’s decision-making process in recent years. So while Reich may be the name at the top of the list today, don’t be shocked if the Jets go off-script again.
Let’s take a look around the Jets landscape this Friday:
- Senior Bowl Buzz: NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah is keeping a close eye on two players in his Top 50 who could be fits for the Jets. With the Senior Bowl in full swing, New York’s scouting department is deep in evaluation mode, especially at positions of need.
- Hackett Heads to Miami: Former Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett has landed a new gig as the Dolphins’ quarterbacks coach. It’s a fresh start for Hackett after a turbulent run in New York, and it also adds an interesting wrinkle to the AFC East coaching dynamics.
- Gruden Denies Jets Contact: Jon Gruden has publicly refuted reports that the Jets reached out to him about joining Aaron Glenn’s staff. It’s a notable development given the chatter around Glenn’s vision for the team - a vision that already seems to be facing some early turbulence.
- Brian Duker Takes Over the Defense: The Jets have officially brought in Brian Duker to lead the defensive side of the ball. Duker steps into a high-pressure role with expectations sky-high after a rocky 2025 season. His background in secondary play and schematic adaptability will be closely watched.
- Senior Bowl Standouts: Day 1 of the Senior Bowl offered some promising flashes for Jets scouts. At wide receiver, a few prospects made strong early impressions, while the defensive tackle group also showcased some intriguing talent that could fit nicely into New York’s front seven.
- Satirical Fire Aimed at Glenn: One NFL writer took a scorched-earth, satire-heavy approach in critiquing Aaron Glenn’s early tenure with the Jets. While the tone may be tongue-in-cheek, the underlying concerns about the direction of the team’s coaching staff are very real.
- Kirk Cousins Watch: As the 2026 offseason heats up, quarterback movement is already a hot topic. Kirk Cousins has three logical landing spots, and while the Jets aren’t one of them, the ripple effects of his decision could impact the league’s QB carousel - and by extension, the Jets’ own plans.
- Offseason Pressure Cooker: A few teams are heading into this offseason with an added sense of urgency. The Jets, given their recent struggles and looming roster questions, are certainly among the franchises feeling the heat.
- Super Bowl Week Trade Rumors: With the Super Bowl around the corner, trade speculation is ramping up. Could Mac Jones be on the move? If so, it could set off a domino effect that reshapes multiple quarterback rooms - and the Jets will be watching closely.
- Sam Darnold in the Super Bowl: Former Jets quarterback Sam Darnold is headed to the Super Bowl - just not with New York. It’s a tough pill to swallow for fans who once hoped he’d be the long-term answer under center. His journey serves as a reminder of how quickly things can change in this league.
- Dolphins’ Offensive Staff Under Fire: While Hackett’s move to Miami raised eyebrows, some analysts believe the Dolphins’ offensive staff might be in worse shape than the Jets’. That’s saying something, and it underscores just how volatile the coaching carousel has become.
- Ty Simpson Pick Defended: Mel Kiper Jr. is standing by the Jets’ bold selection of Ty Simpson in his 2026 mock draft. The pick has sparked plenty of debate, but Kiper sees the upside - especially in a quarterback class that lacks a clear-cut top dog.
There’s no shortage of storylines swirling around this team right now. From coaching hires to draft prep, the Jets are once again at a crossroads. Whether they find the right path this time remains to be seen - but one thing’s for sure: the next few weeks will be critical in shaping what 2026 looks like for Gang Green.