HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (Jan. 30, 2006) -- The New York Jets hired Chargers quarterbacks coach Brian Schottenheimer as offensive coordinator.
The Jets confirmed they reached a deal with the son of Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer. The 32-year-old Schottenheimer adds even more youth to the staff of 35-year-old coach Eric Mangini, who was hired earlier in the month to replace Herman Edwards.
Schottenheimer takes over for Mike Heimerdinger, who was released from his contract last week and became assistant head coach with the Broncos. Though Schottenheimer has no previous experience as a coordinator, he has worked under his dad in San Diego since 2002. He also coached the quarterbacks for his dad in Washington in 2001.
The former college quarterback also learned from Steve Spurrier while playing at Florida. Schottenheimer has spent seven years as an NFL assistant. He also had brief stints at Syracuse and Southern California.
The move is somewhat questionable because of his youth. Since Mangini has never been a head coach, a veteran coordinator might have been a help. But there weren't many options after fighting for over a week with Heimerdinger over his status as coordinator.
Schottenheimer comes into a difficult situation. The Jets have major problems to address on offense, including quarterback Chad Pennington, who is coming off his second major shoulder injury. They also have to make a decision on aging running back Curtis Martin, and linemen Kevin Mawae, Jason Fabini and Pete Kendall.
