Aaron Glenn is reportedly set to bring Tanner Engstrand with him to the New York Jets coaching staff.

While many speculated that Glenn might pull defensive coaches from the Detroit Lions for his new role, Engstrand, the Lions’ passing game coordinator, has emerged as a prime candidate for the Jets’ offensive coordinator position. NFL reporter Josina Anderson revealed that the Jets are in “substantive discussions” with Engstrand for the role. Aaron Wilson of KPRC further confirmed the talks, adding that his sources are confident Engstrand will secure the position.

Although Engstrand is a later entrant in the pool of candidates—joining names like Mark Brunell, Nick Caley, and Scott Turner—he has quickly become the front-runner for the job. Having joined the Lions in 2020, Engstrand has steadily advanced through the ranks, moving from offensive assistant to offensive quality control coach (2021), to tight ends coach/passing game coordinator (2022), and ultimately to passing game coordinator for the last two seasons.

Engstrand was initially seen as a strong contender for an offensive coordinator role with the Chicago Bears, and also a top internal candidate to replace Ben Johnson as the Lions’ offensive coordinator. However, after Johnson was hired elsewhere, the Lions went outside the organization to bring in John Morton as their new offensive coordinator.

At 42 years old, Engstrand’s coaching journey is impressive. He began as a graduate assistant at the University of San Diego in 2005, and spent over a decade there, including five years as assistant head coach, offensive coordinator, and quarterbacks coach. In 2018, he reunited with Jim Harbaugh at the University of Michigan before taking on roles with the DC Defenders in the XFL in 2020 and the Lions shortly thereafter.

Glenn’s interest in Engstrand makes sense given their past connection, although it was difficult to predict that Engstrand would emerge as the Jets’ top choice amidst the busy coaching search. With other opportunities now off the table, Glenn is focused on bringing Engstrand in as his offensive coordinator.