Report: Plank Taking Job with Jets

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Doug Plank and I had what you may call a standing, unofficial meeting through the 2008 season. Almost every Wednesday night, the office quiet after a day of hustle and bustle, I often passed the assistant coach in the hall.

We'd share some pleasantries and joke about the long hours of the season. Then the battle-tested coach would carry himself to his office to breakdown film. and I'd retire to the AF.com studio to type up the news from the day.

It seems we may have to abandon our discussions in 2009.

Various reports have Plank, a head coach in the Arena Football League, assistant with the Falcons and namesake of the Bears "46" defense during his playing days, taking a job on the New York Jets' defensive staff under new head coach Rex Ryan.

If accurate, the news would mark a match made in football heaven.

Plank played for Ryan's father, Buddy, who named the Bears storybook defense for his No. 46 jersey. It's reported Plank will assistant in coaching defensive backs, particularly safeties, in New York.

Plank would be entering his fifth year working in Flowery Branch after coaching the Georgia Force for four seasons. The Arena Football League suspended operations for the 2009 season in December, but earlier in the season Plank accepted a seasonal coaching position with the Falcons.