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Tony Sparano is still the Jets’ offensive coordinator … for now.
The Jets did not make any announcements about Sparano yesterday, a day after ESPN reported he would be fired. It is still probable Sparano will be fired, but the team could wait until it hires a new general manager before making any decisions on the coaching staff.
The coaches were not told anything about their futures yesterday, according to a source. They were told to proceed with business as usual. The Jets launched their GM search after firing Mike Tannenbaum yesterday. There is no clear timeline for when a new GM will be in place, but it could take several weeks.
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Coach Rex Ryan postponed his press conference yesterday, a clear indication he is scared to answer questions about Sparano. Last year, Ryan and Tannenbaum endorsed Brian Schottenheimer after the season and then looked foolish when they fired him a week later.
Sparano presided over the 30th-ranked offense in the NFL during his first season with the Jets. It seems highly unlikely any new GM would keep him.
The Jets have major issues to fix on offense and Ryan is going to need a strong offensive coordinator to help him make the fixes.
Norv Turner, who was fired as the Chargers head coach yesterday, is on the Jets’ radar. It seems unlikely Turner would want to come to the Jets, though, since they don’t have a quarterback in place and Ryan is on shaky ground entering the 2013 season. Other possible targets are former Ravens coordinator Cam Cameron, former Browns coach Pat Shurmur and former Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt.
According to a league source, the Jets should hire a former head coach with game management and game-planning experience who can serve as a head coach of the offense for Ryan.
The Jets are going to have to convince any candidate that they will revamp their offense with more talent at the skill positions. They also have to convince them that they will have security if Ryan is fired after next season.