The more things change, the more they stay the same.
The news is unofficial, but the word on the street is that
Brian Schottenheimer has agreed to return to the Jets as the team's offensive coordinator in 2009. Schotty's reign as Gang Green's play-caller over the past three years has been uneven at best and there were reports that he was miffed at not landing the head coaching job, but it looks like that's water under the bridge.
Schottenheimer is also expected to receive an extension.
I can almost hear the collective groan of my Jet brethren.
Retaining Schotty renews "hope" that the Jets will have a chance at luring Brett Favre back to the Green and White for next season. But even if No. 4 decides to hang them up (for good this time), the move allows the Jets to maintain offensive continuity amid a head coaching change. Kellen Clemens knows the system (I hope) and Brett Ratliff won't have to learn a new one if either is thrust into the starter's roll in 2009. Even if the Jets go after a veteran QB in the offseason, the rest of the squad's familiarity with the offense should make for a smoother transition.
I've been guilty of questioning the Jets play-calling at times over the past three years, but there have been whispers that Eric Mangini was responsible for some of the conservativeness. Who to believe? Who knows? I must admit that I'm not against bringing back Schottenheimer. The guy was creative during his first season in Green when the Jets went with a running back consortium of rookie Leon Washington, Kevan Barlow and Cedric Houston and earned a playoff berth. Things clicked for a stretch in 2008 and the team did score 405 points. Thomas Jones also finished first in the AFC with 1,312 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns.
Is there room for improvement? You bet. Washington should get a minimum of 15 touches a game for starters and it wouldn't hurt to find a wide receiver that can stretch the field.
Looks like the key pieces are now set. Rex Ryan enlisted former Baltimore Ravens linebacker coach
Mike Pettine as the team's new defensive coordinator and
Mike Westhoff will return as special teams coach.
How long till training camp?
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