In their extensive search for an offensive coordinator, new head coach Jerod Mayo and the New England Patriots will interview Detroit Lions coach Tanner Engstrand.
The New England Patriots may be looking to add some Motor City magic to their offensive coaching staff in 2024.
According to NFL Network, the Patriots want to interview Tanner Engstrand, the Detroit Lions’ pass game coach, for the available offensive coordinator position. Engstrand’s name has become well-known throughout the NFL as a result of Detroit’s offensive dominance, which helped the team win its first conference championship game since 1991.
Engstrand began his coaching career at San Diego as a graduate assistant under Jim Harbaugh, who recently took over as head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers after winning the national championship with the Michigan Wolverines. He later coached running backs and quarterbacks in San Diego before being named to offensive coordinator in 2011. Engstrand was also an offensive analyst for Harbaugh at Michigan in 2018.
Engstrand joins the Lions as an offensive assistant in 2020, after serving briefly as offensive coordinator for the XFL’s DC Defenders in 2019. He was promoted to tight ends coach and passing game coordinator in 2022. His work with Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has made him an appealing candidate for teams looking for a new offensive coordinator.
Whether Engstrand or another candidate is chosen, the Patriots’ new offensive coordinator will face the daunting challenge of mending one of the NFL’s most inefficient offences. Despite outgoing coordinator Bill O’Brien’s efforts to restore a visibly damaged unit in 2022, New England’s scoring unit fell even more in 2023. The Patriots concluded the season ranked 32nd in scoring offence, averaging 13.9 points per game and scoring only 27 touchdowns.
In addition to Engstrand, former Las Vegas Raiders coach (and ex-Pat) Josh McDaniels, Los Angeles Rams coaches Nick Caley and Zac Robinson, Houston Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnston and Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Thomas Brown are in consideration for the open position.
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