New York Jets interview five for OC job; Frank Reich the favorite

The New York Jets completed the first major phase of their offensive coordinator search on Wednesday.

Lunda Wells, the Dallas Cowboys' tight ends coach, was the final candidate to meet with team leadership regarding the vacancy left by Tanner Engstrand, whom the team dismissed on Tuesday.

The search implies a pivot to experience, as former Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich remains the heavy favorite to revitalize an offense that finished with the league’s worst passing attack in 2025.

The unit averaged a league-low 140.3 passing yards per game, per Sports Illustrated, while managing just 263.6 total yards per contest.

Head coach Aaron Glenn decided to take a more hands-on approach with the defense after the unit failed to record a single interception during the entire 17-game 2025 regular season — a deficiency that led to the hiring of Brian Duker over veteran Wink Martindale.

"The Jets decided to pivot from a proven coordinator who was going to have complete control of the defense to somebody like Duker, who's a little bit more inexperienced, lesser known, going to have a role, but this is going to be Aaron Glenn's show," SNY NFL Insider Connor Hughes said.

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Frank Reich emerges as the top candidate for the Jets' OC position

As the interview process featured veteran coaches Darrell Bevell, Ronald Curry, and Greg Roman looking to add a new title, Reich, the 64-year-old, is viewed as the ideal HC of the offense.

Hughes reported that Reich would have full control over the offensive personnel and play-calling, allowing Glenn to focus on defensive duties.

"The big name that we've heard, and it's the one that the Jets of zero did on, is Frank Reich. That is the guy that they want everything that I have heard from talking to multiple sources around the NFL tied, both the Frank and the Jets," Hughes said.

"Frank Reich is going to have a say on the offensive personnel, he’s going to call the plays, going to be involved in the game plan. He can change the staff and see wants and hire the offensive staff that he wants," he added.

Although there are rumors that Reich was prepared to retire before the Jets began their pursuit, conversations between the veteran coach and the front office are reportedly progressing.

More New York Jets News:

• Why didn't Jets hire Wink Martindale as DC? Insider reveals Aaron Glenn's impact 
• Jets quietly make defensive coordinator hire as Aaron Glenn reshapes staff 
• Why Jets won't let Breece Hall hit free agency even if there's no extension 
• Jets checked in on Jon Gruden, former coach wasn't interested, report says