Jets Fire Offensive Coordinator Tony Sparano, Could Eye Norv Turner or Cam Cameron as Replacement

by Ricky Doyle on Tue, Jan 8, 2013 at 9:51AM

This is new news, although it might sound a lot like old news.

Rex Ryan and the Jets have fired offensive coordinator Tony Spararno, the New York head coach confirmed Tuesday.

If it sounds like you’ve heard this before, it’s probably because this is something that’s been seen as inevitable since the Jets capped off their 6-10 season with another dismal offensive performance against the Bills in Week 17. Or it could also be because the Jets will now be looking to hire their third offensive coordinator in three seasons, as Brian Schottenheimer left the team following the 2011 season.

Sparano, who was fired as the Dolphins’ head coach before taking the coordinator gig in New York, led one of the worst offenses in football. The Jets ranked 30th in total offense, including 30th in passing yards at 180.7 yards per game.

Sparano becomes the latest to go in what could be an eventful offseason for the Jets. While head coach Rex Ryan will return in 2013, general manager Mike Tannenbaum has already been fired, defensive coordinator Mike Pettine‘s contract is up and longtime special teams coach Mike Westhoff is retiring. Sparano’s firing reportedly came Monday night after a meeting between Ryan and owner Woody Johnson.

So who is next in line to try to make magic out of New York’s Mark Sanchez-led offense? Well, according to ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini, the top names on Ryan’s wish list are Norv Turner and Cam Cameron.

Turner was just dismissed as the Chargers’ head coach after six seasons, while Cameron was fired from his job as Ravens offensive coordinator following a Week 14 loss to the Redskins.

Photo via Facebook/Fire Tony Sparano