Tony Sparano hired by Jets

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Jan. 11 (UPI) -- Tony Sparano, fired as head coach of the Miami Dolphins, was named Wednesday as offensive coordinator of the New York Jets.

Sparano replaces Brian Schottenheimer, whose six-year tenure with the team ended Tuesday night.

Sparano coached the Dolphins for four years before being given the boot Dec. 12. Miami started the 2011 season 0-7 and going 4-2 the next six games wasn't enough for him to keep his job.

Miami went 11-5 in his first season in 2008 after a 1-15 performance in 2007. But the Dolphins went 7-9 in 2009 and 2010.

Sparano's NFL resume also includes five years as a Dallas assistant coach and stints with Cleveland, Washington and Jacksonville.

Schottenheimer's offense ranked 25th in the NFL this past season when the Jets went 8-8.