One of the most important and difficult aspects of a coaching transition is hiring new staff.
Despite internal turmoil, New England Patriots coach Jarod Mayo is under pressure to fill out his staff and hire a coordinator after a tumultuous 2023 season.
A potential candidate for the open offensive coordinator gig is Detroit Lions running back Tanner Engstrand. The Pats have interviewed nine candidates so far, with Nick Keiley and Luke Getsey receiving second interviews. Engstrand was in line for a promotion in Detroit.
Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has been the most popular coaching candidate of this year’s cycle and has long been tipped as the next head coach of the Washington Chiefs. But whether it was Washington’s hesitancy, unmet salary demands or unfinished business in Detroit, Johnson decided to return to the Lions in 2024.Detroit lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship.
The Lions, who led by 17 points at halftime, fell behind 34-31, ending their Super Bowl chances.The Lions will retain most of their personnel, but Engstrand could be gone. Johnson’s return means there will be no internal promotion for Engstrand, at least for next season.So New England can offer Engstrand something Detroit can’t.
As the Patriots continue to interview, it’s easy to imagine the Lions turning to the coach and trying to lure him with their own ambitions.Of course, that means New England would have to prioritize Engstrand, which is far from a guarantee.
According to Albert Breer, the Patriots interviewed former Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy for the same position on Tuesday. Getsy also has a second interview with the New Orleans Saints on Wednesday. Engstrand was thought to be no longer in the coaching search, but should re-enter the equation with the recent Johnson news.
Whether it’s Engstrand, Getsy or another offensive mastermind, the fate of the Patriots — and their next quarterback — hangs in the balance.
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