Pro Bowl Scapegoat: Brian Schottenheimer and New York Jets Part Ways

Shortly after the Jacksonville Jaguars hired Atlanta's offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey, Brian Schottenheimer and the New York Jets announced they had parted ways.

After months of the Jets and Rex Ryan digging a hole and saying that they want Schottenheimer back next season, both sides gave up their futile lies and attempts of finding an easy way out. 

Had Schottenheimer been hired by the Jaguars there would have been an easy solution to the problem. But he wasn't, leading the Jets and Schottenheimer to part ways quickly after the decision. This was most likely pre-planned judging by the quick announcement.

This year, the Jets fell short of their goals and disappointed their fans. Of course, someone had to take the fall and settle the city down.

It would be ludicrous to blame all of the Jets' problems on Shotty, but the Jets needed a scapegoat. 

Why not Schottenheimer?

Fans have been trying to blame him for a couple years, so not only would it make an example of someone, it would appease the fan base.

How about some common sense though?

It clearly wasn't all his fault.

The renowned defense of Ryan was more of a joke than anything this season, so why is Ryan still around?

And look at the weapons that Schottenheimer had to use. Mark Sanchez and a group of dysfunctional receivers. A recipe for disaster.

Everyone has to take a step back and remember that Schottenheimer was not on the field. It was the guys on the field that did not perform. Schottenheimer did not fumble, throw the incompletions or collapse defensively.

The Jets should take a good long look at the rest of this organization including coaches and players that lead to the collapse this season, because it is impossible that it was all Schottenheimer's fault. 

The New York Daily News reports the Jets are expected to hire former Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano.