{"id":738048,"date":"2026-02-08T13:21:14","date_gmt":"2026-02-08T13:21:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/738048\/"},"modified":"2026-02-08T13:21:14","modified_gmt":"2026-02-08T13:21:14","slug":"what-does-ny-jets-oc-frank-reich-covet-in-a-quarterback","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/738048\/","title":{"rendered":"What does NY Jets OC Frank Reich covet in a quarterback?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The New York Jets have their next offensive coordinator: Frank Reich<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Now, the focus shifts to the biggest question of the offseason: What\u2019s the plan under center? As the Jets search for their next QB, Reich\u2019s voice will carry significant weight in that decision.<\/p>\n

So what does the 64-year-old value most in a quarterback?<\/p>\n

What does Reich prioritize in a quarterback?<\/p>\n

Reich has served two stints as an NFL offensive coordinator and two more as a head coach, providing a sizable sample to evaluate the type of quarterback he has historically thrived with.<\/p>\n

And across those stops, a clear pattern emerges. <\/p>\n

Reich has had his best success with Carson Wentz and Phillip Rivers, coaching each of them with two different teams. What do Wentz and Rivers have in common? Size, above-average arm strength, and a traditional pocket presence.<\/p>\n

Addressing the Panthers\u2019 scouting department ahead of the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, the Freeport, N.Y. native outlined the five key tools he looks for in a quarterback: toughness, footwork and finish, accuracy, playmaking, and the ability to be an X-factor.<\/p>\n

Prior to the NFL Combine, Frank Reich stood in front of the Panthers’ scouting department to outline his 5 critical factors for QBs<\/p>\n

1. The QB should be the toughest player on the team
2. Footwork and Finish
3. Accuracy
4. Playmaking Ability
5. X-Factor. The QB is a multiplier. pic.twitter.com\/b7VV7WIkjv<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) June 28, 2023<\/a><\/p>\n

The last time Reich was charged with developing a young quarterback, though, the results were historically poor.<\/p>\n

After the Panthers selected Bryce Young with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, he was unwatchable in his rookie season. He averaged just 4.0 net yards per pass attempt in 10 starts under Reich, the second-lowest mark in NFL history for a rookie quarterback through his first 10 starts.<\/p>\n

That is alarming on the surface, but context matters.<\/p>\n

Why fans shouldn\u2019t look too far into Young\u2019s failures under Reich<\/p>\n

Young was never a natural fit for Reich\u2019s offense. From his physical build to his play style, the pairing never made much sense.<\/p>\n

As noted above, Reich has historically succeeded with bigger, traditional dropback quarterbacks who thrive in the pocket. <\/p>\n

Young, meanwhile, does his best work when in rhythm, particularly off RPO concepts and quick timing throws, which is exactly why he has been a better fit in Dave Canales\u2019 scheme. His frame also raised concerns, as he measured just over 5-foot-10 at the NFL Scouting Combine.<\/p>\n

While this distinction shouldn\u2019t automatically switch fans\u2019 opinions on the underwhelming hire of Reich<\/a>, it certainly provides more context. Not every failed pairing is proof that a coach can\u2019t develop a quarterback. <\/p>\n

Sometimes it is simply the wrong marriage of style and system, and that appears to have been the case with Reich and Young in Carolina.<\/p>\n