Brian Schottenheimer may not be locked in as offensive coordinator after all. The Cincinnati Enquirer says Ravens quarterbacks coach Hue Jackson remains in the mix.
Ryan is considering asking Jackson to come along to New York to serve as his offensive coordinator, but he is also weighing retaining Brian Schottenheimer, who was on Eric Mangini's staff the past three seasons. Schottenheimer has one year left on his contract and was considered a head coaching candidate with the Jets until Ryan's convincing interview with owner Woody Johnson last Sunday.
Should Jackson return to Cincinnati, he would have plenty of familiarity with the team. He is credited with the development of wide receivers Chad Ocho Cinco and T.J. Houshmandzadeh and recruited Carson Palmer when he was at Southern California as offensive coordinator from 1997-2000.
Is this even a debate? Jackson was instrumental in the development of excellent players at multiple skill positions. In addition to the Bengals receiving duo, Jackson mentored and was instrumental in Joe Flacco's swift ascent. Flacco had no trouble with the striking adjustment from Division 1-AA. Jackson is a good coach. He may lack a great track record as an offensive coordinator, but it beats a proven mediocrity like Brian Schottenheimer.
Meanwhile, Rich Cimini says Mike Pettine is the top contender for defensive coordinator. Pettine makes a lot of sense. This is still going to be Rex Ryan's defense. Ryan's duties as head coach, however, will keep him from doing a lot of the hands on day to day stuff. He needs a guy he trusts and who understands what he wants. Pettine fits that mold.
Pettine works directly with defensive coordinator Rex Ryan who says: "Mike is my right-hand man. Our backgrounds are very similar. My father is a legendary NFL coach and his father is a legendary football coach, who recently retired as the winningest HS football coach in Pennsylvania history. I know Mike will make a name for himself in this league. He's one of the best communicators I know, and he relates well with the players. He's smart, and he's dedicated."