The long search for Chan Gailey’s replacement has ended. The New York Jets have hired Saints WR coach John Morton as their new OC.
It appears that the first step in rebuilding a horrid New York Jets offense has been completed.
According to multiple reports, most notably Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Jets have tabbed New Orleans Saints wide receivers coach John Morton as the next offensive coordinator.
Chan Gailey’s replacement served Sean Payton as his WR coach for the last two years. Prior to that, he was held the same position in San Francisco under Jim Harbaugh for four seasons.
His big break in coaching came in 2007 when USC hired him as its WR coach and then elevated him to OC in 2009. Previously, he worked low-level and video positions for Bill Callahan and the Oakland Raiders, having been on the staff during Super Bowl XXXVII.
Morton’s playing career consisted of four years at Western Michigan and stints in the Canadian Football League and as a part of the Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers practice squads.
Immediately, thanks to the nature of his New Orleans’ ties, the name of Drew Brees will be bandied about. That, though, is a different discussion for an entirely different day.
This will be Morton’s first OC job in the NFL.