New York Jets OC Tony Sparano bonding with players and coaches - NFL News
Before joining the New York Jets this offseason, offensive coordinator, Tony Sparano was just known as the Miami Dolphins head coach, who delivered a crushing defeat to the New York Jets in 2009.
The Jets lost that game 31-27 after a last minute wildcat play gave Dolphins a close victory.
That defeat had left Jets head coach, Rex Ryan fuming and he did not like Sparano one bit after that defeat.
Speaking to the New York Daily News, Ryan reminisced about that day and said.
"I was pissed. I'm like, ‘I'm going to kick that dude's a*s next time.'"
His opinion though changed when Brian Schottenheimer was released from the role of offensive coordinator this offseason.
Ryan went on to add that Sparano was the only person in his mind who he wanted to take over the Jets.
"After he became available. I'm like, ‘Oh, h**l, yeah … that's my guy.'"
Sparano is now the head of an offence that struggled badly last season and missed out on the playoffs with an 8-8 record.
His task now is to make quarterback, Mark Sanchez, return back to his best and cut down on his turnovers from last season while developing team chemistry in an offence which struggled with issues between players.
Sparano is known for bonding well with young players and Sanchez has already made two trips to the coordinator’s house for dinner with the family.
Speaking about his new coach, Sanchez said.
"He's an old-school guy who had to learn how to connect with guys like us growing up in this technology era where you can instantly say something to somebody without ever speaking,"
Adding further he said.
"Number one, it probably blew his mind. But he's not afraid to do it. If this is going to help him communicate, he'll do it. If it's a wire and two soup cans, he'll do it. That's the kind of guy he is. He'll get it done."
This is a big year for the Jets and they will be gunning for the playoff spots in 2012-13 after a very disappointing campaign last season.
Sparano has a tough task ahead of him as he looks to change a dysfunctional Jets offence into a team.
Tags: