The New York Jets have bolstered their coaching staff by appointing Tanner Engstrand, the passing game coordinator from the Detroit Lions, as their new offensive coordinator, along with Chris Banjo, who served as an assistant special teams coach with the Denver Broncos, stepping in as their special teams coordinator. This announcement was made on Friday, adding to the Jets’ efforts to strengthen their organizational framework.
In addition, former defensive coordinator Steve Wilks from the San Francisco 49ers has reached an agreement to take on the same role with the Jets, a move confirmed on Wednesday. These recent hirings mark a significant step for the Jets’ new head coach Aaron Glenn, who is actively in the process of forming his coaching team.
Glenn made his introduction as the Jets’ head coach earlier in the week and previously worked alongside Engstrand during their tenure in Detroit over the last four years. At 42, Engstrand began his journey with the Lions in 2020 as an offensive assistant, remaining with the team when Dan Campbell assumed the coaching position. He progressed to the role of tight ends coach and passing game coordinator, contributing to the team’s offensive success as it emerged as one of the league’s most formidable passing units. The Lions achieved a remarkable feat, leading the NFL with 564 points this past season.
If Aaron Rodgers decides to stay with the Jets, Engstrand will likely oversee an offense featuring the seasoned quarterback. Although Rodgers has one remaining year on his contract, he has indicated he will take time during the offseason to evaluate his playing future, which presents a crucial decision for both him and the Jets coaching staff.
Engstrand will also benefit from having standout wide receiver Garrett Wilson on his roster, who has achieved three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons since entering the league. In addition, the Jets boast a solid trio of running backs: Breece Hall, Braelon Allen, and Isaiah Davis, who will be integral components of the offense moving forward.
There is uncertainty surrounding the future of 32-year-old wide receiver Davante Adams, who is set to earn $35.64 million in both of the next two seasons. The Jets might look to renegotiate his contract or potentially release him in the near future. Adams has hinted that Rodgers’ situation could influence his own decisions regarding his future with the team.
Engstrand’s coaching roots trace back to his time as a quarterback at Grossmont College and San Diego State. His coaching journey began at the University of San Diego under renowned coach Jim Harbaugh back in 2005. After a decade in various capacities there, including offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, he reunited with Harbaugh at Michigan in 2018 as an offensive analyst. Engstrand also took on the role of offensive coordinator and running backs coach for the XFL’s DC Defenders in 2020 prior to his stint with the Lions.
Meanwhile, Banjo takes over from Brant Boyer as the Jets’ special teams coordinator, having carved out a career as a safety in the NFL. He played for 10 seasons with teams including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints, and Arizona Cardinals. After concluding his playing career in 2022, Banjo joined the Denver Broncos as an assistant special teams coach, reuniting with Sean Payton, his former coach in New Orleans. During his two seasons there, he worked closely with coordinator Ben Kotwica and special teams expert Mike Westhoff, gaining valuable experience that he now brings to the Jets.
