Hackett Will Call Plays for the Jets

By DAVID WHARTON

Jan. 23, 2001 12 AM PT

Former USC coach Paul Hackett has been hired as the offensive coordinator of the New York Jets, a team official confirmed Monday.

Hackett was fired two months ago after the Trojans finished 5-7 with a loss to rival Notre Dame. He was 19-18 in three seasons at USC.

The Jets have yet to announce his hiring but Hackett is set to return to the NFL, where he has spent most of his career.

The 53-year-old coach will be in familiar company: General Manager Terry Bradway and Coach Herman Edwards were with the Kansas City Chiefs in the mid-1990s when Hackett was offensive coordinator of that team.

Buffalo Bill defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell said that he will take the same job with the Jets.

USC Sports

David Wharton

David Wharton has filled an array of roles – covering the courts, entertainment, sports and the second Persian Gulf War – since starting as a Los Angeles Times intern in 1982. His work has been honored by organizations such as the Society for Features Journalism and Associated Press Sports Editors and has been anthologized in “Best American Sports Writing.” He has also been nominated for an Emmy and has written two books, including “Conquest,” an inside look at USC football during the Pete Carroll era.

Hackett Will Call Plays for the Jets

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