Jets fire OC Tony Sparano
Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sparano looks on as the players warm up prior to a game against the Miami Dolphins. (Sept. 23, 2012) Credit: Getty Images
To the surprise of no one, the Jets have fired offensive coordinator Tony Sparano.
ESPN's Chris Mortensen first reported the news.
Sparano's one and only season with the Jets was a disappointing one, as the offense finished the season ranked 30th in the league.
The Jets -- who have yet to respond for comment -- now will have to find a new offensive coordinator, in addition to a new general manager and quarterbacks coach.
Even when the Jets' offense struggled, head coach Rex Ryan maintained Sparano was the right man for the job.
"Without question, I believe this is an outstanding football coach," Ryan said in November of Sparano, who replaced former offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. "He's been a head coach. Going up against him, I knew what we would get, the kind of mentality he has and we have it. He’s a guy that really understands the game, is passionate and is a tireless worker. He’s also a guy that I lean on a bit, having a former head coaching background. He’s been a huge help. I knew he would be and I knew he was a guy that I really wanted."
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Sparano was informed of his firing Monday night during a meeting with owner Woody Johnson and Ryan.
Speaking of Johnson and Ryan, they're scheduled to address the media today in Florham Park -- eight days after their season-end press conference on Dec. 31 was postponed.
