Rich Cimini, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Free agent-to-be C.J. Spiller speaks highly of Chan Gailey

In less than two weeks, the New York Jets are expected to pursue running back C.J. Spiller in free agency. In a way, Spiller already is pursuing them.

Spiller made it abundantly clear Tuesday that he's a Chan Gailey fan. Gailey, of course, is the Jets' new offensive coordinator, and he coached Spiller from 2010 to 2012 with the Buffalo Bills.

"His offense is going to be very creative," Spiller told Sirius XM NFL Radio. "He's going put his players in the best situations to win matchups. Just a humble guy. First class. Goes about his business the right way. He's going to treat his men like men."

With Chris Johnson gone and Bilal Powell poised to hit free agency, the Jets have a gaping hole at running back. They need a playmaker, someone who can thrive in space and complement Chris Ivory's downhill style. On paper, Spiller is the ideal fit. He racked up 1,703 rushing and receiving yards in 2012, averaging 6.8 yards per touch -- high for a running back.

Spiller sounded like he's up for a reunion with Gailey. Then again, we have to take everything with a grain of salt, knowing this is the time of year when guys are looking for jobs.

"Obviously, it will be different now, since he's just going to be the offensive coordinator," Spiller said. "He's going to have more time just to spend on the offense, compared to his time in Buffalo when he was the head coach and pretty much had the full plate. Now he's just going to be able to focus in on that offense, and do what he does well."

^ Back to Top ^