Jets coach Todd Bowles made a crucial addition to his coaching staff Wednesday, hiring Jeremy Bates as the team’s new quarterbacks coach.
Bates has been out of football for four years, but previously worked with new offensive coordinator John Morton at USC in 2009.
Bates, 40, replaces Kevin Patullo, who was fired after the season. Bates will now be charged with developing Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg, the Jets’ two young quarterbacks, and whomever else the Jets bring in this offseason.
This is Bates’ second stint in the job. He was the Jets’ quarterbacks coach in 2005 under Herm Edwards. Bates spent one season as the offensive coordinator of the Seahawks under Pete Carroll. He then served as quarterbacks coach of the Bears in 2012 before leaving the game for four years. He also has worked for the Buccaneers and Broncos.
The job won’t be easy. The Jets’ quarterbacks were terrible last season, and the team has been searching for an answer at the position for 40 years.
The Jets also announced the hiring of offensive assistant/assistant quarterbacks coach Mick Lombardi, offensive assistant Jason Vrable and assistant strength and conditioning coach Joe Giacobbe.
The Jets signed tackle Jeff Adams on Wednesday. Adams, who played collegiately at Columbia, had been on the Texans for parts of the last three years.