The New York Jets have named Bill Callahan their assistant head coach/offense. The announcement was made by Jets head coach Eric Mangini.
Callahan had been the head coach at the University of Nebraska for the last four seasons, leading the Cornhuskers to a 27-22 record, the 2006 Big 12 North Championship and two postseason bowl games. Before that, he was head coach of the Oakland Raiders (2002-03), taking the Raiders to Super Bowl XXXVII in his first year at the helm.
“Bill brings valuable experience as an assistant coach and head coach on both the college and NFL levels,” Mangini said. “His expertise with the running game and with protections will be a big asset. I look forward to adding him to our staff.”
With Callahan as offensive coordinator, in 2000 Oakland led the NFL in rushing in 2000, averaging 154.4 yards a game. That year the Raiders also allowed a franchise-low 28 sacks, then improved on that record by allowing 27 sacks in 2001.
When he took over as head coach for the Super Bowl season (2002), the Raiders led the NFL in passing offense (279.7 yards per game) for the first time in franchise history and also led the league in total offense (398.8).
Callahan’s 2006 Nebraska offense was one of just three schools in what was formerly Division I-A to be ranked in the top 25 in four offensive categories — rushing, passing, total yardage and scoring.
“I am excited about the opportunity to join the New York Jets,” Callahan said. “Coach Mangini has assembled a fine coaching staff and I look forward to working with them and contributing to the team.”
Callahan has 31 years of coaching experience, including nine years in the NFL. He previously served as the Raiders' offensive coordinator for four seasons (1998-2001) and was the offensive line coach for the Philadelphia Eagles (1995-97).
He was a full-time collegiate assistant for 15 seasons, including stints at Wisconsin (1990-94), Southern Illinois (1989), Northern Arizona (1987-88) and Illinois (1981-86).
A 1978 graduate of Benedictine in Illinois, he was a three-year starter at quarterback, earning All-America honorable mention in 1976-77.
