Patriots Rumors: Lions' Tanner Engstrand to Interview for OC Job Under Jerod Mayo

The New England Patriots are reportedly planning to interview Detroit Lions' pass game coordinator Tanner Engstrand for their offensive coordinator opening, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Engstrand has been with the Lions since 2021 serving as an offensive assistant, a tight ends coach and now the passing game coordinator. Rapoport mentioned that the Lions' offensive success has made Engstrand a popular name around the NFL this year.

The Patriots are looking for a replacement for Bill O'Brien, who left New England to join the college ranks as Ohio State's offensive coordinator. The Patriots have found a new head coach in Jerod Mayo, but are still looking to fill the offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator roles.

The Patriots have reportedly interviewed Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Thomas Brown and Houston Texans quarterback coach Jerrod Johnson for offensive coordinator. New England also interviewed Nick Caley, Zac Robinson, Dan Pitcher and Shane Waldron.

Engstrand has an extensive coaching history, but is relatively new to the NFL. He worked at his alma mater, San Diego State from 2005 to 2017 in several different roles before joining Jim Harbaugh's staff at Michigan in 2018 as an offensive analyst. He became the offensive coordinator for the XFL's DC Defenders in 2019 before joining the Lions.

This season, Engstrand has helped lead the Lions to the fourth-most passing yards in the NFL at 4,606 yards, the fifth-most passing touchdowns at 30 and the fifth-best completion percentage at 67.3%.

Led by an outstanding offense, the Lions won their first playoff game since 1991 and are gearing up to play in their first NFC Championship since the same year.

With Detroit's offensive success this season, it's no surprise to see Engstrand emerging as a candidate for an offensive coordinator position.