After spending a season in the college ranks, Frank Reich is headed back to the NFL.
The New York Jets are hiring Reich as their new offensive coordinator, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday. The team later announced the news.
“Frank has a rare combination of experience, creativity and composure under pressure,” Jets coach Aaron Glenn said in a statement. “He’s lived this game from every angle – as a quarterback in this league and as a coach who has led an offense at the highest level. He is unique in his ability to see the game as it is and adjust when appropriate. Frank understands offense and how to play to players’ strengths. I look forward to how he will help this team succeed.”
Somewhat magically, the Jets parted ways with offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand at the end of January. The timing was surprising, but New York has moved quickly to sign Reich, who has plenty of NFL coaching — and playing — experience. Reich was among a group of familiar names the Jets interviewed for the position, including Greg Roman and Darrell Bevell, who also had another interview.
Reich, 64, played 13 seasons in the NFL, mostly as a backup for the Buffalo Bills, but spent the 1996 campaign with the Jets, starting seven games, thus being Glenn’s teammate at defensive end.
Reich served as a senior adviser for Stanford football before being hired by the Jets and was the Cardinal’s interim head coach in 2025.
It marked his return to coaching after an ill-fated stint as the head coach of the Carolina Panthers in 2023.