The Jets have announced to no one’s surprise that they have agreed to part ways with offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger.
In a press release from the team, new head coach Eric Mangini confirmed the move.
“I have great respect for Mike Heimerdinger as a football coach,” said Mangini. “Ultimately, we agreed that the best course of action would be for the Jets to go in a different direction. We wish him and his family well.”
No details of the parting of ways were available but it’s believed that Heimerdinger released the team of any obligation remaining on his contract. He did have 2 years and over $2MM worth of salary left on his Jets’ deal.
It has been no secret that after Herm Edwards jetted to Kansas City, Heimerdinger wanted out of NY. He publicly made his displeasure known to the media after not being chosen to succeed Edwards. Now his likely destination is taking Gary Kubiak’s spot as Denver’s offensive coordinator now that Kubiak is on his way to being the next Texans’ head coach. Heimerdinger and Broncos’ coach Mike Shanahan were roommates in college at Eastern Illinois College.
Heimerdinger spent one season with the Jets following the firing of Paul Hackett. Prior to the Jets he was the Titans’ offensive coordinator.
Currently, former Texans’ offensive coordinator Chris Palmer and and former Saints offensive coordinator Mike Sheppard are the lead candidates to take over for Heimerdinger. Former St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild was a prime candidate who interviewed with the Jets this past week but today got hired as the offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills.
In other Jets news, the NFL announced that Jets LB Jonathan Vilma was added to the Pro Bowl roster. He will join teammate Ty Law in Hawaii on February 12th. It's Vilma's first trip to the Pro Bowl.
Check back to Jets Insider.com often for more on this breaking story.
