The New York Jets reached agreement Friday with the former Nebraska head coach to be their assistant head coach and be in charge of the running offense.
STEVEN M. SIPPLE / Lincoln Journal Star | Posted: Thursday, January 17, 2008 6:00 pm
Bill Callahan is returning to where most people expected him to continue his career — the NFL.
The New York Jets announced Friday that they had hired the former Nebraska head coach to be the assistant head coach and be in charge of the running game.
Callahan, fired Nov. 24 by Husker athletic director Tom Osborne, was under consideration for a job with the NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but talks between the Jets and Callahan heated up in recent days, ESPN reported.
Brian Schottenheimer remains as the Jets’ offensive coordinator, but Callahan was hired to work primarily with the offensive line and running game. The team ended this season with a 4-12 record.
“Bill brings valuable experience as an assistant coach and head coach on both the college and NFL levels,” Jets head coach Eric Mangini said. “His expertise with the running game and with protections will be a big asset.”
Callahan, hired by Nebraska in January of 2004 after guiding the NFL Oakland Raiders to a 17-18 record in two seasons as head coach, is considered a West Coast offense specialist and is highly regarded as an offensive line coach. Tony Wise is the Jets’ offensive line coach, but is expected to be coaching elsewhere next season.
The 51-year-old Callahan interviewed for the Jets’ job two weeks ago.
Callahan didn’t return a message left on his cell phone by the Journal Star. In a prepared statement released by the Jets, Callahan said: “I am excited about the opportunity to join the New York Jets. Coach Mangini has assembled a fine coaching staff, and I look forward to working with them and contributing to the team.”
Nebraska fired Callahan the day after the Cornhuskers finished the 2007 season with a 5-7 record, including 2-6 in the Big 12. He had an overall record of 27-22 in four years at NU.
The Huskers captured the Big 12 North Division in 2006 and seemed to have momentum. But they struggled on defense this season, finishing 112th nationally in average yards allowed (476.83). They ended up ninth in total offense (468.25).
Nebraska in 2006 was one of only three schools in Division I-A to be ranked among the top 25 in rushing offense, passing offense, scoring offense and total offense.
Callahan worked in the NFL from 1995 to 2003, including 1995-97 as offensive line coach with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was hired by Nebraska 10 days after the Raiders fired him at the end of the 2003 season. He led Oakland to the Super Bowl in 2002, but the team dipped to 4-12 in 2003.
Before being hired as the Raiders’ head coach, Callahan spent four seasons (1998-2001) as Jon Gruden’s offensive coordinator in Oakland, and the team led the NFL in rushing in 2000. He replaced Gruden in 2002 when Gruden became the Buccaneers’ head coach, and the Raiders led the NFL in passing offense that season for the first time in franchise history.
Oakland also led the NFL in total offense in 2002, but lost to Gruden’s Bucs in the Super Bowl.
Callahan has 31 years of coaching experience.
Reach Steven M. Sipple at 473-7440 or ssipple@journalstar.com..