Report: Cavanaugh won't return as Jets QB coach

Report: Cavanaugh won’t return as Jets QB coach

Cavanaugh works with Sanchez and Tim Tebow during Jets training camp.

The Jets might not be able to do anything to get rid of the albatross that is Mark Sanchez, but they can make a change at quarterbacks coach.

On Monday, the New York Daily News reported that quarterbacks coach Matt Cavanaugh will not be back for a fifth season with the team. Cavanaugh is the only quarterbacks coach who Sanchez has known in the NFL.

Sanchez showed clear signs of regression this past season in his command and control of the offense. The Jets moved up in the draft to take Sanchez No. 5 overall in 2009 and his first two years were primarily spent managing a ball-control offense known as the ground and pound. In 2011, he was given more control of an offense that went away from the run and toward the pass and posted career highs in completions (308), completion percentage (56.7 percent) and touchdowns (26). But the Jets missed the playoffs for the first time in his career and posted an 8-8 mark.

Rather than getting better in his pivotal fourth year, Sanchez got worse in 2012. He threw 13 touchdowns against 18 interceptions, while his completions and completion percentage dipped. Most importantly, the Jets went 6-10 and again missed the playoffs.

Cavanaugh appears to be the scapegoat for a quarterback and offense that Sanchez failed to star in.

Before joining the Jets, Cavanaugh served as offensive coordinator for the Bears (1997-98) and Ravens (1999-2004) and as offensive coordinator of his alma mater, Pittsburgh (2005-2008).

The Jets passing offense had its best year in 2011, when it finished No. 21 in the league.

Follow Jets beat writer Kristian Dyer on Twitter @KristianRDyer for all your offseason news.