Jets Rumors: Frank Reich Linked as Possible OC Candidate Depending on HC Cycle

If Frank Reich doesn't get hired as a head coach during this cycle, the New York Jets are ready to talk with him about their vacant offensive coordinator position.

Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Jets could speak with Reich "depending what shakes out" with his opportunities as a head coach.

ESPN's Rich Cimini noted Marcus Brady, Nick Caley, Nathaniel Hackett, Brian Johnson, Chad O'Shea and Kevin Patullo are the six known candidates at this point being considered as New York's offensive coordinator.

Reich has already interviewed with the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals about their head-coaching vacancies this week.

Per Sheena Quick of Fox Sports 1340, Reich had a "strong" interview with the Panthers.

Carolina's list of options has been dwindling recently. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson informed teams he was staying with the Lions next season.

San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans was scheduled to speak with the Panthers, but Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer reported last week they had to cancel due to logistical issues.

Kaye noted Ryans and the Panthers could decide to circle back at some point in the process.

The Jets are in search of a new offensive coordinator after a mutual parting of ways with Mike LaFleur. The move came after New York finished 25th in yards and 29th in points scored during the 2022 season.

LaFleur was hired as Jets offensive coordinator in January 2021 after Robert Saleh was named head coach. The two men worked together as assistants on Kyle Shanahan's staff with the 49ers from 2017-20.

Reich was fired as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 7 after the team got off to a 3-5-1 start. He had been successful prior to 2022, with three winning records in the previous four seasons and two playoff appearances.

The 61-year-old has four years of experience as an offensive coordinator from 2014-17. He was Doug Pederson's offensive coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles when they defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 52.