The New York Jets lose the scapegoat for their quarterback and the man blamed for the eighth-worst offense in the NFL when late on Tuesday night they announced that offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer is not returning to the team.
While no formal announcement has been made, the Jets are expected to unveil former Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano as their new coordinator. Sparano was fired from the Dolphins in the midst of a 6-10 season where his team, despite being destined to miss the playoffs for a third straight year, still played hard.
The son of Marty Schottenheimer, the famed NFL coach and offensive mastermind, "Schotty" was with the Jets since 2006 and for the past three seasons, has drawn the ire of Jets fans for his play-calling. Head coach Rex Ryan stayed firm behind Schottenheimer during that time, even as quarterback Mark Sanchez's development flat-lined and perhaps regressed. Schottenheimer even became the face of the "Occupy Florham Park" movement.
In a statement issued by the Jets, the team said it was the coordinator's decision to "not return."
"After much thought and consideration, I have decided not to return to the New York Jets in 2012," Schottenheimer said in the statement. "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."