The Jets are narrowing in on their next offensive coordinator, and a familiar name in NFL circles is firmly in the mix. Veteran coach Frank Reich was in Florham Park on Tuesday to meet with the team as part of their ongoing OC search, signaling that the process may be nearing its conclusion.
Reich, 64, brings a wealth of experience to the table-both as a player and a coach. A former third-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in 1985, Reich spent 14 seasons in the league, suiting up for the Bills, Panthers, Jets, and Lions. But it’s his coaching résumé that really stands out, especially for a Jets team looking to stabilize and elevate its offense.
He got his coaching start with the Colts in 2008 as an offensive staff assistant and steadily climbed the ladder, eventually coaching wide receivers before moving on to roles with the Cardinals and Chargers. His big break came in Philadelphia, where he served as offensive coordinator under Doug Pederson during the Eagles’ 2017 Super Bowl run. That success led to a head coaching opportunity with the Colts in 2018.
During his five seasons in Indianapolis, Reich compiled a 40-33-1 record, guiding the team to two playoff appearances and posting a 1-2 record in the postseason. His tenure ended midway through the 2022 season, and he was quickly picked up by the Panthers, though that stint was short-lived-he went 1-10 before parting ways with Carolina.
Since then, Reich has taken on a senior offensive assistant role at Stanford, staying close to the game and continuing to develop his offensive philosophy.
Reich is one of two reported finalists for the Jets’ OC vacancy, alongside former Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who’s already interviewed. Roman, known for his run-heavy schemes and work with mobile quarterbacks, brings a very different flavor to the table-making the Jets’ final decision all the more intriguing.
Beyond the two finalists, the Jets have cast a wide net in their search. Other candidates who’ve interviewed include Dolphins quarterbacks coach Darrell Bevell, Bills quarterbacks coach Ronald Curry, and Cowboys tight ends coach Lunda Wells. Each brings a unique background, but Reich and Roman appear to have separated themselves from the pack.
For the Jets, this hire is a pivotal one. With a defense that’s already among the league’s elite, the missing piece has been offensive consistency-and frankly, identity. Whether they go with Reich’s quarterback-friendly, adaptable system or Roman’s ground-and-pound blueprint, the decision could define the direction of the offense for the next few seasons.
The clock’s ticking in Florham Park, and it looks like the Jets are just about ready to make their call.