Falcons To Hire Tanner Engstrand

Tanner Engstrand has not needed to wait long to line up a new NFL gig. The recently-departed Jets offensive coordinator is heading to Atlanta.

The Falcons have an agreement in place to hire Engstrand as their pass-game coordinator, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Multiple suitors were in play in this case, Rapoport adds. Engtrand will take on a key role under Kevin Stefanski for at least one season.

Last weekend, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn moved on from a number of his assistants but briefly kept Engstrand in place. At the time, it was unclear if the latter would continue with New York in a lesser capacity or move on. Engtrand and the Jets parted ways on Tuesday. That decision paved the way for this Falcons hire.

Stefanski and Engstrand have never worked together, but they will now collaborate for the 2026 campaign. Prior to his one-and-done OC stint, Engtrand spent five years as a valued member of the Lions’ staff. The 43-year-old worked as Detroit’s pass-game coordinator from 2022-24. He has also been an offensive coordinator at the collegiate level and handled OC duties for the XFL’s DC Defenders in 2019 and ’20.

As expected, Stefanski brought Tommy Rees with him from Cleveland to Atlanta as the team’s OC. Rees will call plays, but Engstrand’s title will leave him with key responsibilities on offense. Finding consistent production in the passing game will be critical for Atlanta as part of the team’s effort to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign. Quarterback Kirk Cousins is unlikely to still be with the Falcons by the start of next season, but the play of Michael Penix Jr. will be worth watching closely. A strong year in his regard would no doubt help Engstrand’s stock entering next year’s hiring cycle.