NEW YORK, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- New York Jets offensive coordinator Paul Hackett resigned Wednesday and Mike Heimerdinger was named to replace him.
Hackett, a former head coach at the University of Pittsburgh and Southern California, endured much criticism from Jets followers in his four-year stint with the team, especially since a 20-17 overtime playoff loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Heimerdinger has been offensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans for the past five years.
"Coach Edwards and I agreed that the time was right to move in another direction," Hackett said.
Hackett was often criticized for being too conservative with his play-calling.
The Jets, who finished 29th in scoring in the regular season despite having the league's leading rusher in Curtis Martin, failed to score an offensive touchdown against the Steelers.
"Paul has worked tirelessly in his efforts on our behalf, and we appreciate the commitment he has made and his hard work," Coach Herman Edwards said. "He has been a significant contributor to the team's success and the development of several key offensive players for us."
