Chan Gailey: Finding Balance at Every Turn
Jets Play Caller Has Found Success on the Ground & Through the Air
"He's even-keeled as far as run, pass. He's not one or the other, he's even-keeled one way or the other," Bowles says. "He has a good running game and a good passing game. He's a great guy, he's a great individual, he's easy to talk to. He can reach players and he can span the young ones as well as the old ones, so that made it a very good choice for me as far as the fit that I wanted and what I wanted my offense to look like and Chan was the guy. Playing against him over a couple of years when I was in Miami and he was in Buffalo, I kind of liked some of the things he did and some of the adjustments he made, so that made him very appealing to me."
Gailey leads a Steelers offensive attack that finishes first in rushing (143.7 ypg) and second in sacks allowed (21). Jerome Bettis amasses 1,431 yards on the ground along with 11 rush TDs while averaging 4.5 yards a pop. Veteran signal caller Mike Tomczak sets career-highs in completions (222), attempts (401) and passing yards (2,767). The Steelers finish 11th in scoring (21.5 ppg) and capture the AFC Central with 10 wins.
Gailey rides "The Bus" all season long as Jerome Bettis sets a career-high with 1,665 yards on the ground. The Steelers not only pace the NFL in rushing (154.9 ypg), but they also rank first in sacks allowed (20). Kordell Stewart becomes more than "Slash," launching a career-high 21 TD passes along with 3,020 yards. Stewart totals 31 touchdowns as the Steelers finish 7th in scoring (23.2 ppg) and capture another division title.
In his first season as head coach, Gailey oversees a Dallas offense that finishes first in sacks allowed (19) along with a league-low interception total (8). Emmitt Smith runs for 1,332 yards and his 13 rush scores are the fourth-highest season total in his Hall of Fame career. Michael Irvin reaches the 1,000-yard mark and the Pokes finish ninth in scoring (23.8 ppg). Gailey helps the 'Boys become the first ever NFC East team to sweep their division.
Gailey guides the Cowboys back to the postseason as Emmitt Smith runs for 1,397 yards and 11 TDs. The 'Boys finished T6 in rushing (128.2 ypg) and 11th in scoring (22 ppg). They also place second in sacks allowed (23) and T2 in interceptions (13).
With Gailey as the Dolphins play caller, Lamar Smith has a career-year with 1,139 Rush Yards and 14 TDs on the ground. The Dolphins finish T5 in sacks allowed (28) and go to the postseason with 11 wins.
Quarterback Jay Fiedler, working a second season under Gailey, sets career-highs in completions (273), yards (3,290) and TDs (20). Rookie wideout Chris Chambers becomes a vertical threat in season one, averaging 18.4 yards a reception and totaling seven touchdowns. The 'Fins T5 in sacks allowed (27).
Ravaged by injuries, the Chiefs turn to veteran reserve Tyler Thigpen. Under Gailey, Thigpen throws for 2,608 yards and 18 TDs against 12 INTs. He also runs for 386 yards and 3 TDs. The Chiefs only win two games, but Gailey is lauded for his efforts with the journeyman QB.
With Gailey the OC in Buffalo, Stevie Johnson becomes the first receiver in Bills history to post three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Between 2010-'12, Johnson totals 23 TDs.
Operating in Gailey's scheme, Ryan Fitzpatrick makes 45 starts in Buffalo. Fitzpatrick throws for 71 TDs in three seasons, averaging 3,410 yards each campaign.
Gailey leads the NFL's 6th ranked rush attack as C.J. Spiller raced for 1,244 rush yards and 6 TDs on the ground. Spiller also caught 43 balls for 459 yards and added two receiving touchdowns.
