Jets OC Tanner Engstrand discusses his relationship with QB Justin Fields
The Jets signed Fields to a two-year contract this offseason to be their starting quarterback. Engstrand is tasked with building an offense around Fields' dual-threat passing and rushing abilities. The Jets expect Engstand to help improve an offense that finished 24th in scoring last season.
Engstrand recently spoke with the New York Jets' official podcast. The play-caller acknowledged the relationship between he and Fields is key to the offense's success.
"I think they have to think the same," Engstrand said about the relationship between QB and play caller. "They have to know what each other is thinking, so when I call a play, Justin or the other QBs, have to know what I'm thinking, and why I'm calling that play, so you really have to be on the same wavelength as far as what you're trying to accomplish on every play."
Engstrand spent the previous two seasons as the Detroit Lions' passing game coordinator (2023-24). He helped Lions OC and play-caller Ben Johnson oversee the league's most explosive offense throughout that stretch. Engstrand has never called plays at the NFL level, however, so this represents a big-time opportunity for him to separate himself from Johnson's success.
Prior to being Detroit's passing game coordinator, Engstrand spent three more seasons (2020-22) on the Lions' staff as an offensive assistant, quality control coach, and tight ends coach. Coach Glenn spent four seasons in Detroit on staff with Engstrand, hence the existing relationship.
Engstand is saying the right things, but he'll be judged by the results of the 2025 season.
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