NFL

Sparano, Koetter on Jets’ list of coordinator candidates

The Jets have begun to look at candidates to replace Brian Schottenheimer as offensive coordinator if he gets a head coaching job.

According to sources, the Jets have targeted former Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano and Jaguars offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter as potential replacements.

Schottenheimer interviewed for the Jaguars’ head coaching position on Friday. The Jets have said they will welcome him back as their coordinator if he does not land a head coaching job.

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The Jets are familiar with Sparano after facing him the last four years with the Dolphins. He led Miami to an AFC East crown in 2008, his first season there, but never duplicated that success, and was fired on Dec. 12. The Dolphins ranked 22nd in offense (317.4 yards per game) in the NFL this year.

Prior to coaching the Dolphins, Sparano, 50, was the assistant head coach and offensive line coach for the Cowboys under Bill Parcells. He was the primary play-caller in 2006.

An ESPN report yesterday said Sparano and former Chiefs coach Todd Haley were talking about being a “package deal” with Sparano handling the running game and Haley the passing game. The two worked together in Dallas.

Koetter has been the offensive coordinator for the Jaguars since 2007. He also coached the quarterbacks this year. The Jaguars fired head coach Jack Del Rio during the season and his assistants are waiting to see who is kept on the new coach’s staff.

The Jaguars were dead last in offense (259.3 yards per game) this year as they struggled with rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert. They ranked 12th in the league in rushing.

Koetter, 52, was the head coach at Arizona State from 2001-06. He guided the Sun Devils to four winning seasons, and spent 22 years coaching in college before joining the Jaguars. He also was the head coach at Boise State for three years.