Jets hire Tom Moore as consultant

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As expected, the New York Jets hired former Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Tom Moore as a consultant.

Moore, 72, an NFL lifer best known as Peyton Manning's longtime guru in Indianapolis, was offered a job last month after visiting the Jets' facility for a speaking engagement. Early in the lockout, Rex Ryan decided to bring in guest speakers, and one of them was Moore, who spoke to Jets coaches on a variety of offensive topics, namely red zone efficiency -- a problem last season for the Jets.

"Rex and I go way back," Moore said Thursday, according to the New York Post. "We've had some great games against each other. I just have so much respect for Rex and his staff and the organization. When he made the offer, I couldn't refuse it."

It was reported by ESPN.com last month that the Jets were interested in hiring Moore, and the hiring was reported Thursday by the New York Post. The Jets haven't made an official announcement; chances are, they will wait until the lockout is over.

Moore will be working during the season from his home in South Carolina, breaking down tape and offering suggestions. He may make a cameo in training camp.

This arrangement isn't that unusual. For instance, the Jets employed retired offensive-line coach Jim McNally last season as a consultant. He worked from his home outside Buffalo and studied tape every day from practice, offering ideas to line coach Bill Callahan.

"I want to keep involved in the game," Moore said, according to the Post. "I'm 72 years young. I want to keep involved. This gives me a chance. I have such great respect for Rex and his staff and the organization. It's great."

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."

Rich Cimini covers the Jets for ESPNNewYork.com. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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Rich Cimini

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Rich Cimini, longtime Jets beat writer for the New York Daily News and a Syracuse graduate, covers Gang Green for ESPNNewYork.com.
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