BY NICK ST. DENIS
It's a done deal. Tony Sparano is the Jets' new offensive coordinator.
Sparano, who was fired from his head coaching gig with the Dolphins midway through the 2011 season, will take over Gang Green's offensive play-calling duties following the departure of Brian Schottenheimer, who informed the Jets he would not return to the team in 2012.
The Jets announced the hiring Wednesday at noon.
“When we sat down with Tony, I knew he was the right person at the right time for our offense,” Jets coach Rex Ryan said, according to the team's website. “I’ve admired his work as a competitor in the division for the past three seasons. His teams were always physical, tough and hard-nosed.”
Sparano is an offensive line guy at heart and will also fill a void left by former offensive line coach Bill Callahan.
“I’m very proud to be part of such an outstanding organization and to have an opportunity to work with these players,” Sparano said. “I know this division very well and I’m looking forward to that challenge. I’d like to thank Mr. Johnson, Mike Tannenbaum and Coach Ryan for giving me the opportunity.”
The Jets are also talking to former Chiefs head coach Todd Haley, who would come on as an offensive assistant.
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