The New York Jets have taken decisive action to boost their coaching team by securing two significant hires. Tanner Engstrand, formerly the Detroit Lions' passing game coordinator, has joined the Jets as their new offensive coordinator. Also onboard is Chris Banjo, previously an assistant special teams coach with the Denver Broncos, who now assumes the role of Jets' special teams coordinator.
These strategic additions come under the new Jets head coach, Aaron Glenn, who is in the process of forming his team of coordinators since his introduction as the head coach earlier this week. The move signals Glenn's ambition to sharpen the Jets’ competitiveness in the upcoming NFL season.
Engstrand brings a proven track record from his time with the Lions. Joining them in 2020, he was instrumental in shaping an offensive strategy that saw the Lions leading the league with an impressive 564 points this past season. Previously a quarterback at Grossmont College and San Diego State, Engstrand honed his coaching skills at the University of San Diego and later at Michigan under coach Jim Harbaugh, paving his path to the NFL.
As he looks to make an impact with the Jets, Engstrand might have the formidable task of shaping an offense around quarterback Aaron Rodgers, should the seasoned player decide to continue his tenure. Among the notable assets in Engstrand's arsenal are wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who is making waves with his record-breaking 1,000-yard seasons, and a talented running back roster including Breece Hall, Braelon Allen, and Isaiah Davis.
Meanwhile, Chris Banjo takes over the helm of the special teams from Brant Boyer. Bringing with him firsthand field experience from his time as an NFL safety, Banjo is set to elevate the performance standards of the Jets' special teams. His coaching career began right after his retirement from an illustrious NFL playing career, where he had stints with teams like Jacksonville, Green Bay, New Orleans, and Arizona. Under the mentorship of Sean Payton in Denver, Banjo gained valuable insights working alongside seasoned coaches Ben Kotwica and Mike Westhoff.
The intensified focus on revamping the coaching staff hints at the Jets' strategic vision as they position themselves for success in the next NFL season. With Aaron Glenn overseeing the team, and the likes of Engstrand and Banjo adding their expertise, the Jets' supporters might eagerly anticipate a promising turnaround in their team’s trajectory.
As the future unfolds, excitement builds around how these changes will translate on the field. Can the Jets capitalize on these strategic hires to rekindle their competitive edge? Only the upcoming games will tell.
