Jets "fire" Briant Schottenheimer and hire Tony Sparano to replace him

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Reports: Tony Sparano will get Jets coordinator job
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on January 11, 2012, 12:00 AM EST
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With Brian Schottenheimer stepping down from the Jets offensive coordinator job, it just so happens another candidate is lined up to replace him. Tomorrow.

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that Tony Sparano is expected to get the Jets coordinator job, with an announcement likely Wednesday. Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News confirms Sparano will be the team’s next coordinator.

The hire of Sparano also confirms that Schottenheimer’s departure was the nicest firing ever, even if it was presented like Schottenheimer chose to leave on his own.

Sparano has never been an offensive coordinator before, although he was an “assistant head coach” in Dallas where he called plays for one season. There were rumors from Mortensen last week that Todd Haley and Sparano could go to a team together in a package deal, but there have been no indications Haley is a candidate in New York. It’s expected Haley will wind up back with the Cardinals.

That should conclude a randomly busy late night of news. We think.

Schottenheimer won’t return to Jets
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on January 10, 2012, 11:28 PM EST
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Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer didn’t do the Jets a favor by getting the head coaching job in Jacksonville. So he’s going to do the next best thing.

The Jets announced Tuesday night that Schottenheimer informed the team he won’t return for 2012.

“After much thought and consideration, I have decided not to return to the New York Jets in 2012,” said Schottenheimer in a carefully crafted statement released by the Jets. “I am very proud of what we have accomplished in the six years I have been here.

“I am grateful for the relationships that I have with our players and coaches and appreciate the hard work and dedication that went into our success. My family and I would like to thank Rex Ryan and the entire Jets organization and wish them continued success. I look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.”

Rex Ryan said that he understood Schottenheimer wanted a “fresh start” elsewhere and knows he’ll be a “successful head coach” some day.

This sounds like the nicest firing ever. It’s worded in such a way not to hurt Schottenheimer’s ability to get future work, especially after the Jets said they’d keep Schottenheimer. Perhaps Brian will end up with his father in Tampa Bay.

We are very curious how much money, if any, Schottenheimer will get from the two years remaining on his contract. A Jets spokesman told PFT that the team won’t discuss contract details.

Either way, getting rid of Schottenheimer is a lot less costly than dumping Santonio Holmes.

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