Robert Nardella Jr.

There were some Jets coaches — including Tanner Engstrand — who were under the impression at the end of the season that Aaron Glenn would be bringing them back in their same roles in 2026, according to sources. Various coaches were told at the end of the season that they were free to explore other opportunities — though many still felt they were safe as of last week based on conversations they'd had with Glenn. At some point in the last week or so, multiple sources said they felt Glenn changed course on his original plan for the offseason. At the end of the week, various position coaches were fired — and at least a few of them were surprised at that happening. Conversations also started about Engstrand having his role adjusted and giving up play-calling so Glenn could bring in a veteran voice to lead the offensive operation, though he wasn't being fired. Engstrand would have remained as the OC, technically. Now, after some back and forth — and with the team openly pursuing Engstrand's replacement, Frank Reich at the top of their list, as @Connor_J_Hughes reported — Engstrand and the Jets have parted ways. So now the Jets have to START their search for an OC on Jan. 27, three-plus weeks after the season ended — and will have to satisfy the Rooney Rule (at least two in-person interviews with minorities) in order to fill the position. By the way, Glenn still hasn't hired a new DC yet either as the approach to that position changed in recent days too — with Glenn being more open to the idea of calling plays himself on defense, according to sources.

𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: There were 2 “big name” defensive coordinator candidates that the Jets had interest in, but that interest was not reciprocated, per @Connor_J_Hughes There has been more than those two people “that were like no thank you, I don't really want to take that interview” per @ZackBlatt (H/T: @BoyGreen25)