New York Jets Replacing Brian Schottenheimer with Tony Sparano Is Wrong Move

Shortly after Brian Schottenheimer opted not to return to the New York Jets, the team chose Tony Sparano to be the offensive coordinator, which is not much of an upgrade. 

The New York Post reported that the 38-year-old Schottenheimer would no longer be with the Jets, and the 50-year-old Sparano will be taking over. 

Schottenheimer took heat for how the Jets offense was putrid for a portion of the 2011 season, and the fact Mark Sanchez didn't progress like expected. 

How they think Sparano will be the one to help Sanchez greatly improve is beyond me. Sanchez needs an excellent offensive mind to help him, and Sparano is far from that. 

Sparano, who was recently fired as head coach of the Miami Dolphins, hasn't had success in recent years, and it's very puzzling as to why New York chose him over some brighter and younger coaches. 

Sure, Sparano has been around the league awhile and has valuable experience, but this will be his first time as an offensive coordinator. He called plays for the Dallas Cowboys in 2006, but he wasn't overly impressive, which is why Jason Garrett took over those duties the following year. 

The Jets would've been much better off with a coach who is used to that position, as well as someone who hasn't been associated with a less-than-stellar team these past few seasons. 

During his time at Miami, Sparano went 29-32, failing to turn Chad Henne into a legitimate NFL quarterback. In his years as Dolphins head coach, Sparano's offense actually got worse each year, going from 12th in total offense to 22nd in total offense over the course of four seasons. 

While he does come from a great coaching tree, serving under guys like Bill Parcells, Wade Phillips, Tom Coughlin and Marty Schottenheimer, Sparano's recent failures are a perfect example as to why the Jets shouldn't have made him offensive coordinator. 

In fact, Sparano hasn't had great success with any of the teams he's helped coach. This is not a good sign for New York.  

What's more, ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that the Jets are talking with Todd Haley, who not long ago was fired from his position as Kansas City Chiefs head coach. 

Having Haley as assistant head coach and Sparano as offensive coordinator is setting up New York for failure. Haley went 19-26 as head coach for the Chiefs, proving he doesn't know how to run a team. 

The Jets are bringing in guys who are considered to be great football guys, but as we've seen over the last couple of years, they don't really know what it takes to be winners. 

After early success with Rex Ryan, there is a great deal of pressure for the Jets to succeed. Unfortunately, they're making boneheaded decisions by bringing in failed coaches that haven't been winners in a while.