Former Detroit Lions passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand is back on the coaching market, and it didn’t take long for Lions fans to start asking the obvious question:
Should Detroit bring him home?
Engstrand’s run with the New York Jets came to an abrupt end this week, as multiple reports confirmed that he and the organization mutually agreed to part ways after just one season as offensive coordinator. The move comes amid a sweeping reset on the Jets’ staff, with the team expected to bring in veteran play-caller Frank Reich to run the offense moving forward.
It’s a quick turnaround for a coach who was one of the rising stars on Dan Campbell’s staff just a year ago.
Before heading to New York, Engstrand steadily climbed the ladder in Detroit. He worked his way from offensive assistant to quality control, then tight ends coach and passing game coordinator, helping develop an offense that became one of the most efficient and explosive units in the NFL. His fingerprints were all over Jared Goff’s resurgence, the growth of Amon-Ra St. Brown, and the emergence of Sam LaPorta as one of the league’s top young tight ends.
That background is why his name is already popping up in Lions circles again.
The Jets’ situation was far from stable in 2025, and Engstrand walked into an offense dealing with injuries, quarterback uncertainty, and front-office pressure. Now, with New York pivoting to a more veteran-heavy offensive structure under Reich, Engstrand finds himself available far sooner than anyone expected.
For Detroit, the timing is interesting.
Dan Campbell has already shown he values continuity and familiarity, but he’s also not afraid to bring back coaches who fit the culture and understand the system. With the Lions entering a critical championship window and constantly looking to evolve their offensive approach under Drew Petzing, a coach like Engstrand — who knows the building, the players, and the standards — could make a lot of sense in the right role.
Whether that’s as a senior offensive assistant, a quarterback-focused role, or even a passing game consultant, the fit is easy to imagine.
Engstrand may not be returning to Detroit, but his sudden availability puts him squarely on the radar. And for a Lions organization that values sharp minds, trust, and institutional knowledge, bringing back a familiar face might be worth at least a serious conversation.
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