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Schottenheimer Out, Sparano Reportedly In As Jets Offensive Coordinator

NEW YORK (WFAN) -- Apparently Brian Schottenheimer has had his fill of the Jets, their fans and the Tri-State Area.

Tony Sparano, on the other hand, looks like he will get to see what life is like on the other side of a bitter rivalry.

Embattled offensive coordinator Schottenheimer informed the Jets on Tuesday night that he would not return for the final two years of his contract. The news came on the heels of Schottenheimer failing to get the Jacksonville Jaguars' head coaching job, a position that went to former Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey.

A report, from the Daily News, then surfaced saying former Miami Dolphins head coach Sparano would be hired to take Schottenheimer's place.

Schottenheimer's departure after six seasons with the Jets shouldn't come as a big surprise considering the team is currently undergoing an overhaul following an embarrassing 8-8 season that featured one offensive disaster after another.

Under Schottenheimer the Jets did get to AFC Championship games in 2009 and 2010, but much of the credit for that was given to a team built largely on defense. The Jets consistently ranked in the middle to lower half of the NFL in total offense and often lacked creativity.

Schottenheimer had worn out his welcome with the Jets and their fans due to his failure to adequately assist in the development of franchise quarterback Mark Sanchez. Though the third-year signal caller posted career highs with 3,474 yards and 26 touchdowns this season he regressed in other areas, mostly having to do with field vision, accuracy and confidence.

The Jets also announced Tuesday that receivers coach Henry Ellard and offensive line coach Bill Callahan had informed the team that they, too, would not return, so the Jets suddenly have several coaching vacancies to fill.

But apparently not at their most glaring need. If hired, Sparano will be charged with getting Sanchez to realize his full potential and get the Jets' running game back to being the force it was in the two seasons prior to this season's disappointment.

Sparano went 31-33 with one playoff appearance in four seasons as Dolphins head coach.

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