NY Jets hoping to finalize deal for former Adam Gase assistant coach

The NY Jets have already made one change to their offensive coaching staff, hiring former Tennessee Titans assistant Tony Dews to be their new running backs coach. Another chance could be coming.

CBS Sports' Josina Anderson reported on Tuesday that the Jets are hoping to finalize a deal to hire Carolina Panthers assistant Shawn Jefferson as their wide receivers coach.

Jefferson's name might be familiar to some Jets fans, as the longtime NFL assistant previously served as the team's wide receivers coach and assistant head coach under Adam Gase from 2019-2020.

Jefferson has since had stints with the Arizona Cardinals and Panthers in recent years. Anderson's report states that talks are "heating up" between Jefferson and the Jets and that the team hopes to have him join the staff "very soon."

The NY Jets are still looking to upgrade their offensive coaching staff

A former NFL wide receiver, Jefferson played 13 years in the league from 1991-2003, racking up over 7,000 career yards. He's been an assistant coach in the NFL since 2006 and has garnered an impressive reputation.

Jefferson may have worked under Gase with the Jets, but don't let that fool you. The 54-year-old is widely respected around the NFL, as evidenced by the fact that he's been an assistant head coach for multiple teams.

Jefferson has other ties to the Jets' organization, as he crossed paths with passing game coordinator Todd Downing in Detroit. His son, Van Jefferson, is also an NFL receiver and is set to be a free agent this offseason.

The Jets have been quietly looking for ways to upgrade over current wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni over the last few weeks. The team has also interviewed former Tennessee Titans wide receivers coach and former Jets receiver Rob Moore for the position.

Jefferson may have that Gase stink on him, but he's an experienced and accomplished veteran assistant who would be an upgrade to an otherwise lackluster offensive coaching staff.

*Edit: The Jets have reportedly hired Jefferson to be their new wide receivers coach, per Josina Anderson*