Jets appoint Frank Reich as offensive coordinator ahead of 2026 season
Frank Reich’s hiring marks a strategic shift for the Jets, contrasting with head coach Aaron Glenn’s run-focused tendencies and raising questions regarding player target distribution.
The New York Jets have appointed Frank Reich as their offensive coordinator for the 2026 season, bringing a veteran of the West Coast offence to the franchise. Reich, a Long Island native, previously served as the head coach at Stanford and spent ten seasons as an offensive coordinator or head coach with the Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, and Los Angeles Chargers. He won a Super Bowl with the Eagles in 2018.
Reich’s appointment introduces a distinct tactical contrast within the Jets’ coaching staff. CBS Sports analyst Dave Richard has ranked Reich as the 16th most impactful new playcaller for the 2026 fantasy football season, noting that his historical tendencies may influence player opportunities. Reich is expected to implement a pass-heavy system, which diverges from head coach Aaron Glenn’s likely preference for a run-focused approach.
Data from Reich’s previous tenures indicates a career pass play rate of 58.8%, with passes called at least 60.6% of the time in half of his ten seasons. He has consistently utilised multiple running backs, splitting duties between rushing and passing downs. Tight ends have accounted for at least a 20% target share in eight of Reich’s ten seasons, while running backs have recorded a 19.2% or higher target share in six of those seasons.
Wide receivers have received a lower-than-average target share under Reich, averaging 54.8% over his tenures. Only three running backs have averaged 15 PPR points per game in Reich’s 10 seasons: Jonathan Taylor twice and Danny Woodhead once. Quarterback Geno Smith has a poor track record with wide receivers, with no receiver averaging more than 15 PPR points per game in six years with Smith as the starter.
The Jets have used two first-round picks on pass-catchers, which analysts suggest may reduce target volume for existing star Garrett Wilson. Rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq is viewed as a potential beneficiary of Reich’s tendencies, though dominance in target share is not guaranteed. Reich’s hiring follows a broader trend where 18 teams have new playcallers this year, many of whom are former assistants of prominent offensive innovators.
