Ex-Broncos coach involved in 'Skygate II' hired by Jets

The New York Jets have hired Steve Scarnecchia as their new chief of staff. Scarnecchia’s name might sound familiar to Denver Broncos fans, and not for a good reason.

Scarnecchia worked for the New England Patriots’ video department from 2001-04. The Pats were later penalized for filming opponents, a scandal now known as “Spygate.” When Josh McDaniels left the Pats to become the Broncos’ coach in 2009, he took Scarnecchia with him in Denver.

In 2010, when the Broncos were in London to face the San Francisco 49ers, Scarnecchia filmed the Niners’ walkthrough practice. The NFL fined McDaniels and the team $50,000 each for “Spygate II.” Scarnecchia was labeled a repeat offender but was not banned from the NFL.

The Broncos fired Scarnecchia (and McDaniels a week later) after the scandal. Scarnecchia went on to work for Syracuse’s football program before joining the Atlanta Falcons in 2015. He spent the last six seasons in Atlanta before getting a big promotion with the Jets.