The Bill Belichick era with the New England Patriots is over after 24 years and six Super Bowl victories. The Jerod Mayo era will begin next season, with the former Patriots All-Pro defender turned linebackers coach becoming Belichick’s successor last week. However, New England must still find their offensive and defensive coordinator with Bill O’Brien and Belichick out. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Patriots have made another move regarding finding their next offensive play caller, with Detroit Lions pass game coordinator Tanner Engstrand scheduled for an interview with the team.
The #Patriots plan to interview #Lions pass game coordinator Tanner Engstrand for their OC position, source said. Engstrand’s name has become a popular one around the NFL thanks to Detroit’s offensive success. Engstrand also worked with Jim Harbaugh earlier in his career.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 26, 2024
Detroit Lions Pass Game Coordinator Tanner Engstrand: Expected to Interview with New England Patriots
Tanner Engstrand has gained interest with the Lions playing in the NFC Championship this weekend. Engstrand has worked with the Lions since 2021. He joined the NFC North club as an offensive assistant before becoming strictly the passing game coordinator this season. He has also worked as the tight ends coach. The Lions scored 27.1 points per game this season, the fifth-best mark in the NFL. Behind quarterback Jared Goff, Detroit finished in the top ten in passing attempts, yards, and touchdowns. Goff finished with 30 touchdowns against 12 picks.
Engstrand coached in the XFL and college before landing in Detroit. The California native started coaching with the San Diego Toreros, working under Jim Harbaugh. He rejoined Harbaugh with the Michigan Wolverines in 2018. He also had a short stint with the DC Defenders. He will interview for the New England Patriots vacant offensive coordinator position. However, Lions fans expect to lose current offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to a head coaching, opening up a spot to keep Engstrand on staff with a promotion.
New England Patriots: Desperately Needing Identity on Offense
The New England Patriots struggled mightly in 2023, scoring 13.9 points per game, the second-worst average in the NFL. They finished in the bottom five of the league regarding net yards per pass attempt and rushing yards per carry. Former first-round pick Mac Jones labored at quarterback, throwing for 2,120 yards and ten touchdowns against 12 picks, resulting in the Pats turning to backup Bailey Zappe. The former Western Kentucky Hilltoppers star equally struggled, with six touchdowns and nine interceptions.
The lack of a passing game and deep ball threats hurt the running game. Lead back Rhamondre Stevenson averaged a career-low 4.0 yards per carry, while free agent signee Ezekiel Elliott rushed 184 times for 642 yards. The Patriots last finished in the top half of the league regarding points per game with longtime offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels calling plays.
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