In a rapid turnaround of fortunes, former New York Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand has already secured a fresh role within the National Football League, mere days after his departure from the Jets organisation. The Atlanta Falcons have moved decisively to appoint Engstrand as their offensive passing game coordinator, where he will operate under the guidance of new head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Swift Transition Following Jets Exit
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reports that Engstrand attracted significant interest from multiple teams over the past couple of days, but it was the Falcons who ultimately prevailed in the race to secure his services. This development comes swiftly after Engstrand was released by the Jets on Tuesday, marking a prompt resolution to his employment status.
Context of the Jets' Decision
The decision to part ways with Engstrand followed a challenging 3-14 season for the New York Jets, prompting head coach Aaron Glenn to initiate a search for a new offensive play caller. Glenn and Engstrand had engaged in discussions regarding the coordinator's role in recent days before mutually agreeing to move in separate directions.
Engstrand, who served as a first-time play caller this past season, has a longstanding professional relationship with Glenn. The pair worked together for four years as assistants with the Detroit Lions before Glenn recruited Engstrand to helm the Jets' offensive strategy.
Offensive Struggles in New York
Throughout the majority of the season, the Jets' offense encountered considerable difficulties, with substandard quarterback performance cited as a primary contributing factor. Offseason acquisition Justin Fields started only nine games before being relegated to the bench in favour of veteran Tyrod Taylor. Subsequently, undrafted rookie Brady Cook was forced to start the final four games due to injuries affecting both Fields and Taylor.
The statistical outcomes reflected these challenges starkly. New York finished last in the NFL for passing yards and ranked 29th in both total yards per game and points per game. The absence of star wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who missed ten games due to a knee injury, further compounded the offensive woes.
A Lone Bright Spot
Amidst the offensive struggles, the running game emerged as a relative strength. Behind the efforts of Breece Hall, who achieved the first 1,000-yard season of his four-year career, the Jets' ground attack finished a respectable 11th in the league, providing a glimmer of positivity in an otherwise disappointing campaign.
Post-Season Evaluation and Change of Course
Following the conclusion of the season, Coach Glenn indicated he would conduct a comprehensive review of the players, his own performance, and his coaching staff, with future decisions to be informed by these evaluations. Initially, it appeared Engstrand might retain his coordinator position, but Glenn ultimately opted for a change in direction, leading to Engstrand's departure and subsequent rapid recruitment by Atlanta.
This move signifies a fresh start for Engstrand within the NFC South, as he joins a Falcons organisation under new leadership, aiming to revitalise their offensive passing game for the forthcoming season.
