The New York Jets have decided to part ways with offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, prompting the franchise to consider former coach Jon Gruden for a role on their staff. However, Gruden, a Super Bowl champion, declined the opportunity.
On Tuesday, just 23 days after concluding their 2025 NFL season, the Jets opted to move on from Engstrand, who had a brief tenure of only one season in this position. The franchise has struggled to retain an offensive coordinator, as none have lasted more than two seasons since Brian Schottenheimer held the role from 2006 to 2011.
Following Engstrand”s exit, the Jets reached out to Gruden, who has not coached in the NFL since resigning from the Las Vegas Raiders in October 2021. His resignation came amidst a league investigation into workplace misconduct involving the Washington Football Team, which uncovered emails containing offensive language from Gruden, including racist, misogynistic, and homophobic remarks made between 2011 and 2018.
Despite his controversial past, Gruden, who previously led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to victory in Super Bowl XXXVII, continues to aspire to return to coaching. He has explored opportunities in television and media but remains eager to rejoin the NFL coaching ranks. Nonetheless, he has received minimal interest from teams since his departure from the Raiders.
Currently, the 62-year-old is associated with Barstool Sports. Although Gruden has expressed a desire to coach again, stating in July during a visit to the Detroit Lions training camp, “Hopefully I”m not done. I”m about to make a comeback. I”m working hard to maybe get one more shot,” he has no interest in joining the Jets” coaching staff.
With Gruden declining the offer, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn must continue searching for a suitable replacement for Engstrand. Glenn has already engaged in discussions with several experienced offensive coaches regarding potential roles on his staff. The coordinator position may be appealing, particularly with the Jets holding the second overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
However, attracting top candidates may prove challenging, especially as Glenn enters Year 2 after a dismal 3-14 record in his first season. On Tuesday, the Jets confirmed a virtual interview with Brian Duker, who previously worked alongside Glenn with the Lions from 2021 to 2023 and served as the defensive passing game coordinator for the Miami Dolphins in 2024-25. Additionally, Glenn has reached out to former head coaches, including Frank Reich of the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers, as well as former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, who are also rumored to be in consideration for the role.
