Tanner Engstrand is expected to return for a second season as the New York Jets’ offensive coordinator. Under the circumstances of his first season, he deserves a second year.

Engstrand spent his first year calling plays while navigating horrific quarterback play, a difficult task for any first-time NFL coordinator. A second season would offer continuity and a fair evaluation of what he can truly build as an OC at the highest level.

However, there is a scenario that could force the Jets to change their plans.

If Kliff Kingsbury becomes available at the coordinator level after his “mutual” split with the Washington Commanders, the Jets must do everything it takes to land him—even if it means parting ways with Engstrand.

An opportunity to land an established offensive mind and quarterback guru like Kingsbury is one the Jets cannot afford to ignore.

Why the Jets should do everything it takes to land Kingsbury

Kingsbury spent the last two seasons in Washington, serving as the Commanders’ OC.

During his first season in that role, he helped second-overall pick Jayden Daniels to one of the greatest rookie quarterback seasons in NFL history, capped off by a deep run to the NFC championship game.

Most notably, Kingsbury served as the Arizona Cardinals’ head coach, leading the Cardinals to a 28-37-1 record over a four-season span, including a playoff year in 2021. Under Kingsbury’s coaching, Kyler Murray, a former No. 1 overall selection, developed into one of the league’s top dual-threat signal callers and earned his only two career Pro Bowl seasons. Following Kingsbury’s dismissal, Murray’s play has declined rapidly.

Notice a trend, folks? The rapid rise of two dual-threat quarterbacks under Kingsbury’s watch? This isn’t just a coincidence. He is an offensive mastermind.

Kingsbury’s success in quarterback development dates back to his college days, when he spent five years as the head coach at Texas Tech. From 2014 to 2016, Kingsbury worked with Patrick Mahomes, helping him develop from a three-star recruit to a first-round draft pick.

For a team like the Jets, who are projected to take a quarterback high in this year’s NFL draft, it is critical to surround the incoming rookie with a strong offensive coaching staff. Currently, the Jets’ quarterbacks coach, Charles London, is a former running back with a highly underwhelming and limited resume coaching quarterbacks, while their OC, Engstrand, remains unproven. Their head coach, Aaron Glenn, comes from a defensive background.

The Jets need someone with an established track record to build and oversee a development plan for the rookie quarterback. The Commanders followed this thought process in an eerily similar situation two offseasons ago, when their defensive-minded head coach, Dan Quinn, hired Kingsbury to develop Daniels after he was selected No. 2 overall. The result: an instant turnaround for the Washington organization.

While moving on from Engstrand after just one season, especially with subpar personnel, would be somewhat unfair, the NFL is a results-driven business. Throughout his coaching career, Engstrand has yet to prove he can develop quarterbacks. Mishandling a rookie signal-caller from this year’s draft could set the Jets back another four years.

An aggressive push for Kingsbury would also align with Glenn’s harsh reality. Though Glenn brought Engstrand with him from Detroit, the former cornerback enters year two in desperate need of wins after a three-win debut season. His job security will be tied directly to the growth and success of a rookie quarterback, and as a defensive-minded coach, Glenn must have the right offensive staff in place to give that quarterback a real chance to succeed.

If Kingsbury fails to land a head coaching job and has any interest in coming to New York, the Jets must do everything they can to bring him in.