Jets Hire Doug Plank … Old “46″ Himself

by Bassett on January 26th, 2009 at 4:08 pm

It seems that the inspiration for the 46 defense has gotten a job with the New York Jets as an assistant for Rex Ryan.

Buddy Ryan thought so much of Doug Plank that he named his defense for the number Plank wore – 46.

So it shouldn’t be a surprise that Ryan’s son Rex thought so much of Plank that he made him one of his first hires after he became head coach of the Jets.

Plank has been hired as assistant defensive backs coach, and the former Bears safety will work with the safeties, NFL sources told the Tribune on Saturday. Plank had been working as a roving assistant coach for the Falcons but was interested in becoming a position coach.

I don’t think this is a definitive “the Jets are totally running the 46 next year” hiring. But I think that Plank’s knowledge of safeties can do nothing but help pave the way for someone like Kerry Rhodes, and whoever lines up with him in 2009.

Chicago Trib via Newsday.

9 Responses to Jets Hire Doug Plank … Old “46″ Himself

Mike D. says:

January 26, 2009 at 4:22 pm

and whoever lines up with him in 2009…

JIM LEONHARD!

Reply
Dean says:

January 26, 2009 at 4:48 pm

If it works, whatever.

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nyckage says:

January 26, 2009 at 5:06 pm

I honestly don’t know how the 46 defense works, but if it helps it helps, but I hope this guy has what it takes to turn Kerry Rhodes into a Ed Reed type of player.

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BubbyBrister/shovelpass says:

January 26, 2009 at 5:28 pm

They should start calling it the “25 defense”…

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md says:

January 26, 2009 at 6:00 pm

I don’t know if Plank is going to be a good coach, but he was a great player.

Reply
ramble914 says:

January 27, 2009 at 8:44 am

Sounds interesting.

Reply
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