Jets Hire Ex-Colts Offensive Coordinator Tom Moore As Consultant
NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) — The man who made Peyton Manning a star has signed on to assist the Jets.
According to an Associated Press source, the Jets have hired former Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Tom Moore as a consultant.
Moore, credited for helping Colts quarterback Manning develop into a four-time NFL MVP, will work during the season from his home in South Carolina, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team hadn't announced the hiring.
The New York Post first reported the hiring on its website Thursday.
The 72-year-old Moore was brought in by coach Rex Ryan to speak to his staff a few months ago and offered the job after a second meeting sometime last month.
"I just have so much respect for Rex and his staff and the organization," Moore told the Post. "When he made the offer, I couldn't refuse it."
He retired after the 2009 season, but returned to the Colts as a senior offensive assistant last season before retiring again in May.
Moore was Manning's only offensive coordinator in the NFL until he relinquished the play-calling duties and title of offensive coordinator to Clyde Christensen last season. He told the newspaper he will review game tapes and work with the Jets coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.
"I want to keep involved in the game," Moore said.
Moore's coaching career began in 1961 at Iowa, his alma mater. After stops at Dayton, Wake Forest and Georgia Tech, Moore ended up at the University of Minnesota — where he coached quarterback Tony Dungy.
The two started their NFL careers in 1977 with the Pittsburgh Steelers with Moore as the receivers coach, Dungy as a defensive back. After winning two Super Bowl rings with the Steelers, Moore was promoted to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 1983. He became the offensive coordinator for the Vikings in 1990, and went to Detroit four years later.
Moore was hired by New Orleans in 1997, then joined the Colts as their offensive coordinator in 1998 — the same year Manning was the No. 1 overall pick. Moore was later reunited with Dungy, who became head coach in 2002 and retired after the 2008 season.
"Tom Moore was a great Offensive Coordinator for us," Colts wide receiver Pierre Garcon wrote on his Twitter page. "I wish him well with the New York Jets."
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