New York Jets: Coaching Staff Profile

Door-Opening Dads

They may have gotten their chances to coach football because of their established fathers, but there is no denying the success they’ve had since given that opportunity.

Rex Ryan, in his first year with the Jets, is the son of legendary Buddy Ryan, a former coach with the Jets, Vikings, Bears, and Eagles, among other NFL teams. Brian Schottenheimer, the offensive coordinator, is the son of Marty Schottenheimer, the former head coach of the Chiefs, Redskins, and Chargers.

Ryan comes over from Baltimore, where was the defensive coordinator since 2005, and on the staff since 1999. The Ravens have had one of the best defenses in football during his tenure. Ryan’s first NFL job was with Arizona in 1994, while his dad was head coach there.

He then spent some time in the college ranks, serving as defensive coordinator at Cincinnati and Oklahoma before joining the Ravens staff.

Schottenheimer has been with the Jets offensive coordinator since 2006. Prior to that, he was the quarterbacks coach for San Diego, and is credited with helping in the development of Drew Brees. He has also coached for the St. Louis Rams, and under his father with the Chiefs and Redskins.

Ryan brought the Ravens linebacker coach, Mike Pettine, to serve as his defensive coordinator. There’s reason to think the Jets defense will be better this season, if for no other reason than their head coach’s background.