Tony Sparano Fired: New York Jets Axe Offensive Coordinator

In a move that comes a surprise to probably no one, the New York Jets have fired offensive coordinator Tony Sparano.

ESPN reports the team made the announcement Tuesday, at a press conference with coach Rex Ryan and owner Woody Johnson.

“From a personnel standpoint, this was not the team we thought we’d have all season,” Ryan said while also praising Sparano for his diligence. “I want to be more of an unpredictable offense. As hard as we are to attack defensively, I want to be offensively.”

Sparano, the former head coach of the Dolphins, was hired last March to replace Brian Schottenheimer and take over a Jets offense that struggled mightily.

The move had little to no impact however as the Jets closed out the 2012 season with a disappointing 6-10 record and finished 30th in the NFL in yards per game and 28th in points.

In addition to Sparano’s firing, the Jets also parted ways with quarterbacks coach Matt Cavanaugh and defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, whose contract expired.

Coach Ryan, who worked with Pettine the last 10 years, said Pettine was interviewing for the same job in Buffalo.

Despite the dismal finish in 2012, Ryan said he was hopeful for the Jets’ upcoming season.

“I look at this as a new beginning,” Ryan said. “I’m excited. I can tell you this. As I look at it, we’re going to be a dangerous football team. I can promise you that. How many wins and all that, I don’t know, but I’m going to tell you you’re not going to want to play the New York Jets because I know the mentality we’re going to take.”