The writing was on the wall with the Lions hiring David Shaw as their new passing game coordinator. Now it's clear: Tanner Engstrand, Detroit's passing game coordinator for the past three seasons, is leaving to become offensive coordinator of the Jets under Aaron Glenn.
Originally hired as an offensive assistant for the Lions under Matt Patricia, Engstrand worked his way up to offensive quality control, then tight ends coach and ultimately passing game coordinator under Dan Campbell -- the same path that Ben Johnson followed to offensive coordinator.
Along with the success of Jared Goff over the last three years, that led many to believe that Engstrand would be Johnson's replacement when the latter left to become head coach of the Bears.
But Campbell opted for a more experienced hire in former Broncos passing game coordinator John Morton, who was an important behind-the-scenes coach for the Lions in 2022 when Goff had his first strong season in Detroit. Goff has since been one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.
Engstrand, 42, will take over a Jets offense with a giant question mark under center in Aaron Rodgers, who may or may not be back next season, but plenty of weapons on the roster in receivers Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams and running back Breece Hall.
Campbell and the Lions have now lost seven coaches on the heels of a 15-2 season. Glenn also took tight ends coach Steve Heiden to the Jets, while Johnson took receivers coach Antwaan Randle El and assistant quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett to Chicago. And defensive line coach Terrell Williams left to become defensive coordinator of the Patriots.
