Hackett Quits; Jets Hire Heimerdinger

New York Jet offensive coordinator Paul Hackett knew the time had come for him to leave the team.

Facing mounting pressure and criticism for his conservative play calling, Hackett and Coach Herman Edwards decided it was best for them to part ways.

So Hackett resigned Wednesday after four seasons with the club, and Tennessee Titan offensive coordinator Mike Heimer- dinger was hired hours later as his successor.

Hackett’s departure was expected after the Jets’ 20-17 overtime loss to Pittsburgh in the second round of the playoffs Saturday.

The Jets showed little imagination in their version of the West Coast offense, ranking 17th in the NFL in scoring this season even though Curtis Martin led the league in rushing with 1,697 yards.

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Philadelphia Eagle linebacker Mark Simoneau returned to practice after sitting out last weekend’s playoff game because of an ankle injury.

Right tackle Jon Runyan sat out practice because of strained knee ligaments, but he’s expected to play against the Atlanta Falcons in Sunday’s NFC championship game.

Runyan could practice today. Simoneau is listed as doubtful.

Wide receiver Terrell Owens, out because of a fractured ankle, is the only Eagle player expected to sit out Sunday’s game. Owens might be able to return for the Super Bowl, if Philadelphia gets that far.

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Scott Linehan agreed to a three-year contract with the Miami Dolphins to be their offensive coordinator, leaving the Minnesota Vikings without one.

In three seasons in Minnesota, Linehan oversaw one of the league’s best offenses.

The Vikings ranked second in the NFL in 2002, first in 2003 and fourth in 2004 in total yardage.

Though Linehan wouldn’t divulge terms of his deal, he’s believed to be getting a big raise.

Minnesota has one of the league’s lowest-paid coaching staffs.

“While I’m happy today to have a new challenge, I’m about as sad because I’m leaving a great bunch of guys,” Linehan said.