Jets Offseason: Brian Schottenheimer Officially Hired As Rams Offensive Coordinator

According to Jim Thomas of Rams Report, the St. Louis Rams have officially hired Brian Schottenheimer as their offensive coordinator, who will operate under new head coach Jeff Fisher's direction. Sources say that it came down to Schottenhemier and former Raiders coach, Hue Jackson, who coach Fisher was equally impressed with.

The Rams also hired former New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams, to run their defense for the 2012-13 season.

Schottenheimer is the son of longtime NFL head coach Marty Schottenheimer and has been the New York Jets offensive coordinator for the past six seasons. He had his ups and downs during his tenure with the Jets – the team went to back-to-back AFC title game – but this past season the Jets ranked 25th in total offense.

See all of the Jets Offseason News on our Jets' 2012 Offseason News Hub Page. For everything on the Jets, visit the SB Nation blog Gang Green Nation.

Tony Sparano Discusses Mark Sanchez, Offensive Philosophy

As a former AFC East head coach, Tony Sparano became very familiar with the New York Jets. Now New York's offensive coordinator, Sparano is excited to begin working with the players he has game planned against for the past several seasons. (via Sports Radio Interviews)

"I'm really excited about being a part of the entire Jets organization here and getting a chance to work with Rex [Ryan] here and work for Rex. I'm really excited about that opportunity too. Being on the other sideline against the Jets here for the last several years. I certainly know an awful lot about this football team, our division and a lot of players on the team that way. It's what intrigued me about this opportunity is to be a part of that with some of these players here and getting a chance to work with them. As far as Mark goes I am very excited about getting a chance to work with Mark Sanchez. When you are in the other locker room he causes you so many problems in your preparation because of the way he can move and escape and extend plays and make all the throws. This guy has won a lot of games in the 4th quarter of games, so those type of things are the things that excite me."

Sparano understands his reputation as a run-first offensive mind, but considers himself capable of coaching a solid passing unit and believes he can help the Jets improve their ability to make big plays.

"My backround is I have been part of this whole run thing, but when you look at us here in Miami whether or not I was in Miami or Dallas or any of those places even back into my college days, I have a lot exposure throwing the football, coached tight ends in three different places in our league...so when you are coaching a tight end you are trying to get him the football, so you don't want to run it that way, but I do recognize playing games in our division and you have to be able to run the football and play in games in the month of December here. You have to be able to run the football. With that being said, plus 20-yard plays are things we need to be better at certainly. It's an area we've improved on in Miami as we were one of the top teams in plus 20-yard plays and then when I was in Dallas as well."

Though Sanchez has been under a considerable amount of scrutiny this offseason, Sparano believes the young quarterback has a lot of upside.

"I absolutely do. I can't wait to get him back and get him going again. Right now all these guys need a little bit of rest, but when the time comes and the league allows us to be able to do that we are looking forward to getting him and getting him going. You are absolutely correct when you talk about looking at the numbers and looking at the three year numbers and those type of things I think when you put all the numbers together on the table you see an arrow up here for Mark. I really liked this kid coming out of the draft. I spent a lot of time with him and again I can just tell you what it is like on the other side of the line when you are playing against him and he causes you problems."

-- See all of the Jets Offseason News on our Jets' 2012 Offseason News Hub Page. For everything on the Jets, visit the SB Nation blog Gang Green Nation.

Brian Schottenheimer To Accept Rams Offensive Coordinator Position, According To Report

Brian Schottenheimer has been offered the offensive coordinator position with the St. Louis Rams under Jeff Fisher, and is expected to accept, according to a report from NFL.com. According to a league source, the only thing standing in the way of an official announcement are the details of the contract.

Schottenheimer left the New York Jets organization last Tuesday after six years in charge of the Jets' offense. Fired Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano was announced as the Jets newest offensive coordinator almost instantaneously following Schottenheimer's departure.

Few would argue that Schottenheimer was a rousing success in New York. This season, the Jets finished 25th in the league in total offense and quarterback Mark Sanchez took some anonymous heat from teammates recently for his poor play this season.

For more on the Jets, head over to the SB Nation blog Gang Green Nation. Be sure to check out SB Nation New York's Jets hub as well.

Joe Namath 'Stumped' By Jets Hiring Of Tony Sparano

Tony Sparano Named New York Jets Offensive Coordinator

The New York Jets officially announced the hiring of Tony Sparano as the team's offensive coordinator on Wednesday, one day after Brian Schottenheimer stepped down from the same role.

Sparano was head coach of the Miami Dolphins for most of the past four seasons before being fired on Dec. 12, 2011 with the Dolphins standing at 4-9. The Dolphins made the playoffs in Sparano's first season with an 11-5 record, but failed to advance to the postseason in any of the subsequent years with Sparano at the helm.

Sparano's teams have been known more for their rushing attacks than strong aerial performances, a philosophy that should mesh with the ground-and-pound nature Rex Ryan typically prefers. The Jets are still hoping to nurture Mark Sanchez into a franchise quarterback, but Ryan has always liked running offenses that can bash defensive lines and wear down opponents.

For more Jets coverage, visit our team page or our blog Gang Green Nation.

Brian Schottenheimer Resignation; Schottenheimer, Rex Ryan Issue Statements

Brian Schottenheimer and New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan have each issued statements through the team in the wake of Schottenheimer's decision to step down as Jets offensive coordinator.

"After much thought and consideration, I have decided not to return to the New York Jets in 2012," said Schottenheimer. "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."

On ESPN Radio with Mike and Mike this morning, NFL analyst Adam Schefter said Schottenheimer might have several opportunities, but that it seemed unlikely he would join his father, Marty Schottenheimer, if the elder Schottenheimer gets the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head-coaching job.

Here is Ryan's statement on Schottenheimer's departure:

"Brian and I talked and I understand his decision to look for a fresh start," said Head Coach Rex Ryan. "I'd like to thank him for all of his contributions these past three seasons. He's been right there with me, shoulder to shoulder, and played a key role in our success, helping us to reach two AFC Championship games. As I've said before, coaching is in his bloodlines, he has a tremendous work ethic and I consider myself fortunate to have worked with him. He has acquired a lot of experience at a young age and has a bright future in front of him. I know that he will be a successful head coach one day - probably sooner than later."

Brian Schottenheimer Steps Down As Jets Offensive Coordinator, Tony Sparano Reportedly To Get Job

Head on over to Gang Green Nation for more reaction.

Jets Will Not Cut Ties With OC Brian Schottenheimer Because Of Money, According To Report

While New York Jets Offensive Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer shops for a possible head coaching position, the Jets organization is still trying to figure out what it wants to do with him and according to ESPNNY.com's Rich Cimini the front offices hands could be tied.

"League insiders tell me the Jets are trying to save as much as possible on Schottenheimer's remaining contract -- two years, $3.2 million. (They'd have to eat it if they fire him.)," wrote Cimini Sunday morning. "That enormous, two-year extension he received last offseason, I'm told, was a reason why they couldn't get OL coach Bill Callahan to re-up before the end of the season. Apparently, the rising tide doesn't lift all boats, as far as the Jets are concerned."

Before reporting how much the Jets could owe Schottenheimer if they let him go, Cimini said he would be shocked if he returns next season.

Meanwhile, if New York decide to part ways with Schottenheimer, the New York Post's Brian Costello thinks that former Miami Dolphins head coach TTony Sparano and Jaguars offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter could be solid targets to replace him.

For constant updates on this situation, watch for Jets news on Gang Green Nation and for Jaguars news head to Big Cat Country.

Jets OC Brian Schottenheimer Interviews With Jaguars For Head Coaching Job

After the Jets season cam to an end, New York Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum and head coach Rex Ryan sat down with the media to discuss the season and the team's plan for the offseason. In that press conference, Ryan said that he felt offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer had a 50/50 shot of coming back to the Jets in 2012 because he could take a head coaching position.

I'll say this, I hope Brian the best as he goes for the interview here in Jacksonville. I mentioned last week, I think it's a 50/50 deal whether Brian is back here or not because I think he'll be a head coach. He's got everything it takes to be a successful head coach in this league. I think it starts with pedigree, but more importantly, here is a guy that's been successful. He knows how to develop players, and we have gone to back‑to‑back AFC Championship games. A lot of that is due to his work ethic, which I think is tremendous.

According to ESPN New York's Rich Cimini, Schottenheimer has interviewed with the Jaguars and has a "legitimate chance" at becoming the new head coach in Jacksonville. The Jaguars are likely looking for an offensive minded coach that will be able to help quarterback Blaine Gabbert make a better transition from college to the NFL in his second season.

Cimini also believes Schottenheimer could get the job because of his possible competition.

Plus, it's not like he's competing against a who's who? of coaching candidates. Various reports have linked Mike Mularkey (Falcons), Mike McCoy (Broncos), Rob Chudzinski (Panthers) and Jay Gruden (Bengals) to the vacancy. Interim coach Mel Tucker also interviewed.

For constant updates on this situation, watch for Jets news on Gang Green Nation and for Jaguars news head to Big Cat Country.