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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 11:28 a.m., Saturday, January 24, 2009

NFL: Ryan retains Schottenheimer to run Jets' offense

By DENNIS WASZAK Jr.
AP Sports Writer

NEW YORK — Brian Schottenheimer is sticking around to run the New York Jets' offense despite losing out to Rex Ryan for the head coaching job.

Schottenheimer has been the Jets' offensive coordinator the past three seasons, but it was uncertain if he would stay after Ryan was hired Monday. After meeting with Ryan and owner Woody Johnson on Thursday, Schottenheimer decided to return.

The 35-year-old Schottenheimer had a year remaining on his contract and reportedly received an extension, but the team would not comment on the deal Saturday.

Ryan is in the process of putting together his staff and now has his three coordinators in place with Schottenheimer, defensive coordinator Mike Pettine and special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff. Bill Callahan, who also interviewed for the vacancy when Eric Mangini was fired, was retained as the offensive line coach.

At his introductory news conference Wednesday, Ryan called Schottenheimer "a tremendous coach." He also said he was looking forward to speaking with him because he went through a similar situation when he was passed over last offseason when Baltimore hired John Harbaugh as coach.

"If anybody has gone through what Brian has, I know the disappointment he's feeling by not getting this job," Ryan said.

Apparently, whatever Ryan said worked. The team has been high on Schottenheimer, the son of former NFL coach Marty Schottenheimer, for a few years and consider him one of the league's top young offensive minds.

He took some criticism from media and fans for being too predictable and conservative with the game plans. But, Schottenheimer had to simplify the offense in training camp when the team acquired Brett Favre and released Chad Pennington, and the quarterback took some time to get up to speed with the new playbook. The team finished with the league's 16th-ranked offense, but Thomas Jones led the AFC in rushing behind a revamped offensive line that included Pro Bowlers Alan Faneca and Nick Mangold. The Jets also scored 405 points, the third-highest total in franchise history.

Whether Schottenheimer's quarterback is Favre again this season remains to be seen. The 39-year-old Favre is mulling retirement while also healing from a torn biceps tendon in his right arm that might have contributed to his ineffectiveness down the stretch.

Also, Ryan hired Jim O'Neil as his defensive quality control coach and Jeff Weeks as a defensive assistant.