The New York Jets formally announced their 2012 coaching staff, officially confirming many of the hirings that have been reported over the last few months.
Linebackers coach Bob Sutton has a new title. In addition to his duties as linebackers coach, the 61-year-old has been named assistant head coach in 2012.
Sutton has been on the Jets coaching staff since 2000, including a three-year stint as defensive coordinator from 2006 to 2008 under Eric Mangini. The departed Bill Callahan held the assistant head coach title the last four years.
As expected, former Minnesota Vikings defensive line coach Karl Dunbar has officially been hired for the same position in New York. He replaces Mark Carrier, who took a job as defensive backs coach in Cincinnati.
In a somewhat surprising move, the Jets will bring back quarterbacks coach Matt Cavanaugh for a fourth season, giving Mark Sanchez some continuity as the Jets made other changes on offense.
Cavanaugh had reportedly told friends that he expected to be fired in the immediate wake of the Jets’ disappointing season, but the Jets never found a replacement for him, so he will return for another season.
Other new coaches this season include offensive coordinator Tony Sparano, receivers coach Sanjay Lal, offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo, and assistant strength and conditioning coaches Justus Galac and Paul Ricci.
Additionally, 30-year-old Mike Smith will be the outside linebackers coach after weighing other others. Smith spent the last two seasons as a coaching intern and was instrumental in the development of linebacker Aaron Maybin.
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