With only three weeks until the NFL Combine, teams are beginning to formulate draft plans. They took the time to evaluate their coaching staff and who can join the roster to fit into their plans. This is normally what happens. However, after the decision to part ways with Tanner Engstrand, Aaron Glenn and the Jets had other plans. With time of the essence, New York’s head coach needed to find a new offensive coordinator. Thankfully, the team has reached a decision.
After three seasons away, former Indianapolis Colts & Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich is returning to the NFL. Two seasons after being fired in Carolina, Reich is back to help lead the Jets offense in 2026. This past season, Reich served as the interim head football coach for the Stanford Cardinal.
Source: the Jets are hiring former Panthers and Colts HC Frank Reich as their offensive coordinator. Reich also was Stanford’s interim head coach last season, but now he returns to the NFL. pic.twitter.com/W8uN5VAsQn
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 4, 2026
Report: Jets to Hire Ex-Colts Head Coach Frank Reich as OC
For the first time since helping the Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl in 2017, Frank Reich will once again be an offensive coordinator. This is the third time Reich has been an offensive coordinator after his previous tenures with the Chargers and Eagles. For New York, it’s a move that allows a veteran presence on offense, but also a veteran head coach who can lend Glenn a hand. With Aaron Glenn calling the defensive plays, Reich will essentially serve as a de facto head coach for the offense. After working with quarterbacks like Phillip Rivers, Carson Wentz, Andrew Luck, and Matt Ryan, the Jets passing game should improve under Reich. Especially after finishing last in passing yards per game.
However, it’s nonetheless a risky move. While Reich finished with three top 10 scoring offenses during his tenure in Indianapolis, it hasn’t always been efficient. In his final two seasons as head coach between the Colts and Panthers, his teams finished 30th & 31st in scoring in 2022 and 2023. Strictly as an offensive coordinator, it wasn’t much better. From 2014 to 2016, Reich’s offenses finished 17th, 26th, and 16th in points, respectively. This was while having a future Hall of Famer in Phillip Rivers and a pre ACL Tear Carson Wentz at quarterback.
Impact on the 2026 Jets
Dec 11, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) throws a pass and offensive tackle Jake Matthews (70) blocks against Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Yaya Diaby (0) during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
While Frank Reich might not be the most inspired choice, he does have his benefits. Pairing him with a bridge quarterback should allow the passing game to improve. A move for Kirk Cousins if released from Atlanta would give him a proven pocket passer to work with. While a far cry from his prime with the Minnesota Vikings, Cousins performed admirably in relief for an injured Michael Penix Jr. In addition, it could mean a boost for running back Breece Hall. Despite not being a young, innovative coordinator like others, Reich does have the benefit of working with respected running backs like Jonathan Taylor, Miles Sanders, and Melvin Gordon. After coming off his first 1,000-yard rushing season, Reich will find use for the veteran playmaker.
However, one underrated benefit that Reich could bring is through free agency. Specifically, a wide receiver who will generate interest. While likely to remain with the Indianapolis Colts, Alec Pierce will be a free agent. Of course, Pierce will have plenty of suitors if he hits the market. But the Jets could make a big offer for him. After all, they will have top-five cap space in the league next year. Although money alone might not entice him, the wide receiver room is very thin behind Alec Pierce. He will have ample opportunity for targets, even if New York lands a wide receiver within the first two rounds. Not to mention, it was Frank Reich’s Colts who drafted Pierce 53rd overall in his final season in Indianapolis.
Nov 9, 2025; Berlin, Germany; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) and Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) react against the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL Berlin Game at Olympic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Final Thoughts
It’s not perfect, but Reich does have some positives. While many would desire a more exciting name, New York’s mismanagement has made this a less-than-desired job. It’s too early to tell how the offense will look in early February. He might be from an older generation. But hopefully Frank Reich is able to lend a hand as Aaron Glenn tries to course-correct and improve in 2026.
Main Photo: [Bob Donnan] – Imagn Images