Jets Shake Up Coaching Staff with Risky New Hires

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets are undergoing a major coaching overhaul under new head coach Aaron Glenn, with a series of high-risk, high-reward hires that could define the team’s future. On Wednesday, Glenn announced three key additions to his staff: Steve Wilks as defensive coordinator, Chris Banjo as special teams coordinator, and Steve Heiden as offensive line coach. The Jets are also reportedly close to filling their offensive coordinator position, with Lions passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand emerging as the leading candidate.

Engstrand, who has never held an NFL offensive coordinator role, is seen as a promising but unproven talent. His potential hiring would mark the fourth out of five top coaching positions filled by individuals with no prior experience in their new roles. Glenn, a first-time head coach himself, is betting on a staff with limited track records but significant upside.

“Engstrand is viewed as a sharp offensive mind with a lot of potential,” said a source familiar with the Jets’ hiring process. “But there’s an element of risk because he hasn’t had much of a chance to prove it in a meaningful way.”

Engstrand’s resume includes two years as an NFL positional coach and four years total at the professional level. He spent his first two years in Detroit as an offensive assistant and quality control coach before being promoted to passing game coordinator. Prior to his NFL career, Engstrand served as offensive coordinator at the University of San Diego, his alma mater, and later as an offensive analyst under Jim Harbaugh at the University of Michigan. He also called plays for the XFL’s DC Defenders in 2020.

Despite his limited NFL experience, Engstrand has built a reputation as a creative offensive thinker. His time in Detroit, where he worked alongside head coach Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, has been particularly influential. “He’s been paying attention and learning from some of the best in the business,” said another source. “If he’s been absorbing all of that, he could be ready for this step.”

However, Engstrand’s lack of NFL play-calling experience raises questions. Both Johnson and Campbell passed him over for coordinator roles in the past, opting for more seasoned candidates. Glenn, who worked with Engstrand in Detroit, appears willing to take the gamble. “Glenn knows what he’s getting after working with Engstrand for the last four years,” said an insider. “But any offensive coordinator the Jets hire will be a risk because they’ve gone through seven in the last nine years.”

The Jets’ coaching staff is shaping up to be a mix of fresh faces and experienced leaders. Steve Wilks, the new defensive coordinator, brings a wealth of experience, having served as a head coach for the Arizona Cardinals and defensive coordinator for multiple NFL teams. His hiring is seen as a stabilizing force for Glenn, who plans to delegate play-calling duties to focus on broader team management.

Meanwhile, Chris Banjo, a former NFL safety, will take over as special teams coordinator. Banjo has no prior experience in this role but is highly regarded for his football IQ and leadership. Steve Heiden, a former NFL tight end, will transition to offensive line coach, another first-time assignment for the longtime position coach.

The Jets’ aggressive approach to rebuilding their coaching staff reflects Glenn’s vision for the team. “We’re looking for coaches who are hungry, innovative, and ready to grow with this organization,” Glenn said in a statement. “We believe we’ve found the right mix of talent and potential.”

As the Jets prepare for the 2025 season, the spotlight will be on Glenn and his unproven staff. With a roster that includes star players like Quinnen Williams and Aaron Rodgers, the pressure to deliver results will be immense. Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Jets are betting big on their future.