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.
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