Falcons coach Stefanski adds former Jets offensive coordinator Engstrand as passing game coordinator

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — New Atlanta coach Kevin Stefanski continued to build his staff on Sunday by adding Tanner Engstrand as offensive passing game coordinator.

Engstrand was the New York Jets’ offensive coordinator in 2025. The Jets and Engstrand agreed to part ways on Tuesday.

The addition of Engstrand came one day after Stefanski hired Alex Van Pelt as quarterbacks coach. Van Pelt joins offensive coordinator Tommy Rees as former Cleveland coaches under Stefanski, the former Browns coach.

Stefanski was hired as coach on Jan. 17. The Falcons hired Ian Cunningham as general manager on Thursday after adding longtime Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan as president of football.

New York struggled on offense under Engstrand in 2025 and subpar quarterback play was an issue. Justin Fields, signed in the offseason, started only nine games before he was benched in favor of veteran Tyrod Taylor. Undrafted rookie Brady Cook started the final four games because of injuries to Fields and Taylor.

The Jets finished last in the NFL in yards passing and 29th in both total yards per game and points per game.

With Atlanta, Engstrand and Rees will support Stefanski in emphasizing the development of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. as the Falcons attempt to end a streak of eight consecutive losing seasons.

Prior to New York, Engstrand spent five seasons with the Detroit Lions, including the 2023-24 seasons as passing game coordinator.

The Falcons on Sunday also added Tokunbo “Tumbo” Abanikanda the team's director of scouting. He joined the Falcons as a scouting assistant in 2012 before a series of promotions, including to national scout in 2021 and director, college scouting in 2024.

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