Former New York Jets’ OC Brian Schottenheimer finds job with St Louis Rams – NFL News Update
The former offensive coordinator of the New York Jets, Brian Schottenheimer, has been hired in the same category by the St Louis Rams, according to the National Football League (NFL) Network.
Schottenheimer will now serve under new Rams’ head coach, Jeff Fisher. He had left the Jets' team on Tuesday, January 17, 2012, after a disappointing season as his team failed to reach the playoffs.
As the Jets’ offensive coordinator, Schottenheimer had been taking in a lot of heat from critics and Jets’ fans who were dismayed at their team’s performance. The criticism had greatly increased after Jets' 29-14 loss to New York Giants.
As that game had been hyped up a lot due to the cold war between Rex Ryan and the Giants’ coach, a defeat meant more heat falling on Schottenheimer.
One of the main reasons for the opposition against the 38-year-old coach was the play-calling he would frequently resort to.
However, Schottenheimer managed to save his ground as Ryan came to his rescue, stating that he had immense confidence in him and all of the coaches.
With the Jets eliminated from the playoffs after a crushing loss to the Miami Dolphins, the critics increased their onslaught against Schottenheimer.
They had grounds to demand that the offensive coordinator be fired as Jets' offence was averaging just 307.7 yards per game, ranked 25th in the NFL and improvement that had been expected, never showed up.
There were angry protests against Schottenheimer as articles were written against him in newspapers, and through electronic media.
Schottenheimer, though kept surviving as Ryan kept reiterating the confidence in his coach.
Then all of a sudden, he left the Jets in a hurry, saying he had taken the decision after much thought and consideration.
Schottenheimer talked of how proud he was of his six-year long stay with the Jets where he had accomplished a lot, and despite the vote of confidence from Ryan and general manager, Mike Tannenbaum, he seemed tired of the criticism and wanted to try his future
elsewhere.
“I look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead", Schottenheimer said.
He had spent six years with the Jets after being hired by former coach, Eric Mangini, in 2006 and still had two years remaining on his contract.
Ryan commended his coach after he had left, saying Brian knew how to help develop players.
“He’s got everything it takes to be a successful head coach in this league”, Ryan said as he spoke of his contributions to the team.
"I would like to thank him for all of his contributions these past three seasons. He's been right there with me, shoulder to shoulder, and played a key role in our success, helping us to reach two AFC championship games", Ryan said.
Fans though were happy to see Schottenheimer leave the team.
Ryan wasted no time in bringing in a new offense coordinator. He had the former coach of Miami Dolphins, Tony Sparano, hired within 12 hours.
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