While the Detroit Lions are in the business of adding some extra brainpower to their offensive coaching staff, could we interest them in re-heating some of their 2024 nachos?
The Lions now have the opportunity to bring back Tanner Engstrand, as the New York Jets have parted ways with their offensive coordinator after just one season. The Jets have done a full culling of their staff in recent days, but notably haven't removed former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn as their head coach.
Engstrand, who was previously the Lions' passing game coordinator, tight ends coach, and offensive assistant between 2020-2024, could slide back into a role with the team as they still haven't filled their tight ends coaching job. The role, previously held by Tyler Roehl, would be a perfect way to get Engstrand back and integrated into the Lions' system.
Engstrand has perfect opportunity to land back with Lions
Engstrand was probably unfairly cast aside by the Jets, especially given the quarterback play he was given to work with in 2025. Justin Fields was one of the worst passers in the league this past season, posting just seven touchdowns on the year in addition to just 1,259 passing yards. Engstrand was also, notably, considered a candidate for the Lions' 2025 offensive coordinator position.
Detroit is clearly looking to add some firepower to their offensive coaching staff, with the recent hiring of Mike Kafka to a vague "top role" on Drew Petzing's staff. Obviously, the team is looking to load up on their staff after a woeful 2025 campaign - if you could even call it that.
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The team still ranked among the best teams in the NFL in overall DVOA, but just couldn't piece together a consistent enough winning streak to compete in the NFC or NFC North. Not to sound like a broken clock, but Engstrand - and really, any decent OC - can succeed with a better offensive line in Detroit. So, creating a "super staff" could go a long way assuming they do so.
Engstrand has experience as a tight ends coach with the Lions, so he could slide in nicely back onto the staff if he's open to it. Although, it does feel like Engstrand probably didn't want to take a demotion on the Jets staff with so many changes incoming under Glenn, so he might not want to take a demotion to land back with the Lions. Familiarity be damned.