It’s been a long, bumpy ride for Bill Callahan following the Raiders’ Super Bowl XXXVII loss to the Buccaneers, but the detail-oriented Callahan has rebuilt his reputation with the New York Jets, one that has earned him a new nickname: 'By the Book Bill.'
“At his core, he loves being an offensive line coach,” Jets center Nick Mangold told The New York Times.
The Jets had the top-ranked rushing offense in the NFL this season thanks in large part to Callahan’s understanding of offensive linemen. This, combined with a unique sense of fashion, got him the new moniker.
“I mean, you look at him, and you’re like, no way he’s an offensive line coach,” Jets offensive tackle Matt Slauson told the Times of Callahan’s habit of wearing preppy sweaters. “He must have been hit a ton and vowed to protect quarterbacks forever.”
The Jets’ offensive line coach is happy to be with the Jets.
“This is the most content I’ve been,” Callahan said. “Going back into the dungeon, the laboratory, has been great for me. I have a new lease on life.”
The Jets have reaped the rewards of Callahan’s football knowledge. Not only did the Jets make the playoffs for the first time in four seasons, but the team also had three offensive linemen elected to the 2010 NFL Pro Bowl.
Callahan has shed the reputation he once had as head coach with the Raiders and University of Nebraska. Now, he stays focused on his role with the Jets as ‘By the Book Bill.’
