New York Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand. John Jones-Imagn Images

Firing OC Tanner Engstrand makes Jets even worse destination for a rookie QB

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Jan 27, 2026 6:05 PM ET

Quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft should beg the New York Jets not to take them. The team doesn't even know who will be calling plays next season.

On Tuesday, the Jets fired offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand. In one season under the coach, New York's offense sputtered, ranking 29th in the league in points scored (17.6) and last in passing yards (140.3).

Tanner Engstrand's firing makes Jets an even worse landing spot for a rookie QB

The timing of the decision makes little sense, especially for a team that seems poised to replace QB Justin Fields (2-7 starting record in 2025) with a rookie passer this offseason. In his latest mock draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has New York selecting Alabama Crimson Tide QB Ty Simpson (6-foot-2, 208 pounds) with pick No. 16.

"He's worthy of being a first-round choice. To me... Ty Simpson checks a lot of the boxes other than the elite-trait boxes," Kiper said Monday on "First Draft." "...I think for the Jets it makes perfect sense."

Just in: The #Jets have decided to part ways with OC Tanner Engstrand after one season -- making the decision 23 days after their season ended. pic.twitter.com/xx7ws1YDOc
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 27, 2026

The Jets, however, will fail to help Simpson unlock his potential if they don't land a top OC. And at this point in the coaching cycle, many of the top play-callers are now unavailable. Mike McDaniel accepted the Los Angeles Chargers' OC gig, and Brian Daboll is expected to become the next Tennessee Titans OC if the Las Vegas Raiders don't hire him as head coach.

Even if they were still on the market, they might not be interested in the Jets, who haven't made the playoffs since 2010 and haven't developed talented QBs. Look at QB Sam Darnold, who led the Seattle Seahawks to Super Bowl LX after a 31-27 win over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game. 2018 No. 3 pick Darnold went 13-25 as a starter in the regular season in three seasons with New York.

The Jets may have a replacement in mind. Before Engstrand's firing, Connor Hughes of SNY-TV in New York shared that they wanted to add former Indianapolis Colts/Carolina Panthers HC Frank Reich to their offensive staff and have him call plays next season.

Reich may be no better than Engstrand. The Panthers fired him after Week 12 of the 2023 season after QB Bryce Young started 1-9 during his rookie season.

"I promise you, not one single player in this entire draft, unless they grew up a Jets fan or have some kind of family tie, wants to be a New York Jet," The Ringer's Todd McShay said on his podcast on Jan. 5.

McShay's comment is harsh, but it wouldn't be surprising if many players feel that way. The Jets lack direction and a clear plan at OC.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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