Detroit Lions cross sport coordinator Tanner Engstrand is a candidate to be the New England Patriots’ subsequent offensive coordinator. Based on a report from NFL Community, the Patriots plan to interview Engstrand for the place, though there isn’t any timeline for that dialogue but.
Dropping Engstrand can be a tricky blow to the Lions teaching workers, notably if Detroit loses present offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to one of many two remaining head coach vacancies (Commanders, Seahawks). Johnson is taken into account one of many front-runners for the Washington Commanders job and he has additionally interviewed for the Seattle Seahawks job, as nicely.
Engstrand was one of many inner candidates certified to exchange Johnson, ought to he go away for a head coach place. Initially employed as an offensive assistant in 2021, Engstrand took over as tight ends coach when Johnson was promoted to offensive coordinator. Engstrand obtained one other promotion this 12 months, turning into the crew’s cross sport coordinator.
“He’s been nice and brings completely different concepts to Ben, brings completely different ideas,” quarterback Jared Goff mentioned earlier this season. “I’m in a position to ask him questions that he can reply as an alternative of hogging Ben down with extra. I can sort of go to Tanner with a few of that stuff and he’s been extraordinarily useful for me. I had him within the quarterback room my first 12 months and he’s bounced round this constructing a pair instances, however he’s doing a hell of a job.”
If Engstrand does find yourself taking the Patriots job, the Lions do produce other in-house candidates for the OC job, ought to it change into out there. That features assistant head coach/working backs coach Scottie Montgomery and probably even offensive line coach Hank Fraley.
