NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Jets have hired Tony Sparano as their offensive coordinator to replace Brian Schottenheimer.
The former Miami Dolphins coach takes over an offense that struggled mightily this season.
The team announced the hiring of Sparano on Wednesday, just over 12 hours after announcing that Schottenheimer told the Jets he wouldn’t return next season despite having two years left on his contract. Schottenheimer spent six seasons as the Jets’ offensive coordinator.
The 50-year-old Sparano will be charged with improving an offense that finished 25th overall and further developing quarterback Mark Sanchez, who has been heavily criticized for not progressing as expected in his third season.
It is the first offensive coordinator job for Sparano, who was fired by the Dolphins last month after going 29-32 in three-plus seasons.
