The Detroit Lions have made some changes on the offensive side of the ball, including hiring Drew Petzing as offensive coordinator and signing Thomas Gordon to a futures deal.
They had to make changes on that side of the ball, as the offense didn't have the same punch that it had in years prior, but that was due to several coaches leaving the staff. One of those names was Tanner Engstrand, who joined Aaron Glenn's staff with the New York Jets. That partnership didn't last long, as he was fired after one season, but he could be back in the NFC North for 2026.
The Packers saw Sean Mannion leave Green Bay to become the Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator. With a void at quarterbacks coach for Green Bay, Andy Herman of Pack-A-Day Podcast suggested that Engstrand is someone to keep an eye on.
Tanner Engstrand Could Be an Option to Join Packers Staff
The Lions could play a part in Engstrand heading to the Packers. Last offseason, they decided to pass on him as their offensive coordinator, giving him the runway to leave to become the Jets' offensive coordinator.
Things didn't go well in New York, but the lack of a quality QB held the offense back. The Jets ranked 29th in total offense (263.6) and scoring offense (17.6) while being last in passing offense (140.3). While those numbers aren't ideal, they had Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and Brady Cook take snaps last season, and they were the worst quarterbacks in the league.
Although the numbers were underwhelming, Engstrand still crafted impressive route concepts that created space. He thrived in the intermediate area of the field. Michael Nania of Jets X-Factor revealed that New York ranked fourth in the NFL in average separation on immediate passes (2.9). That number only trailed the Seahawks, Bills, and Bears, who all had top-10 offenses.
During Engstrand's time with the Lions, he held roles as an offensive assistant, offensive quality control coach, tight ends coach, and passing game coordinator. During the 2023 and 2024 seasons, he helped Johnson create game plans and served as a sounding board. They were able to build productive offenses, and Detroit sought to recapture that success but was unable to in 2025.
The Lions didn't believe he was the best candidate to become the OC in 2024, and that decision could lead Engstrand to Green Bay. The Packers have lost a flurry of coaches, which has made the Lions happy, but the idea of Engstrand landing there can't be thrilling. And with an opening available and Engstrand looking for a job, it may be a perfect match for both sides.