As the longtime offensive architect of the Indianapolis Colts, Tom Moore had many memorable battles with Rex Ryan, who ran the Baltimore Ravens' defense before taking over as head coach of the New York Jets in 2009.
Now after years of competing against him, Ryan has hired Moore as a consultant for the Jets, the *New York Post* reported Thursday.
Moore met with Ryan in April and June, with a job offer coming after the second get-together. Moore retired for the second time in May after a 12-year run with the Colts, with whom he served as offensive coordinator and, last season, senior offensive assistant. He had first retired after the 2009 campaign.
"Rex and I go way back," said Moore, who's 72. "We've had some great games against each other. I just have so much respect for Rex and his staff and the organization. When he made the offer, I couldn't refuse it."
"I want to keep involved in the game," he said. "I'm 72 years young. I want to keep involved. This gives me a chance. ... It's great."
The Jets' offense improved last season, Mark Sanchez's second as the starting quarterback. Moore said he believes Sanchez is "excellent," and he also spoke highly of offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.
"One of the things that is fun about it is I've known Brian and his dad (Marty Schottenheimer) for a long time," Moore said. "Brian is a great, great coach. He does a great job with the offense. I can learn a lot of things myself."
Moore and Peyton Manning had a historic partnership in which the Colts quarterback broke every relevant team passing record. Moore also was Manning's only offensive coordinator until relinquishing the play-calling duties and title of offensive coordinator to Clyde Christensen last season.
Moore revealed he wasn't the nostalgic type when asked if it would be strange to work without Manning.
"No, I'll just move on," Moore said.
Moore's coaching career began in 1961 at Iowa, his alma mater. After stops at Dayton, Wake Forest and Georgia Tech, Moore ended up at the University of Minnesota -- where he coached quarterback Tony Dungy.
The two started their NFL careers in 1977 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, with Moore as the receivers coach, Dungy as a defensive back. After winning two Super Bowl rings with the Steelers, Moore was promoted to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 1983. He became the offensive coordinator for the Vikings in 1990, and went to the Detroit Lions four years later.
Moore was hired by the New Orleans Saints in 1997, then joined the Colts as their offensive coordinator in 1998 -- the same year Manning was the No. 1 overall pick. Moore was later reunited with Dungy, who became head coach in 2002 and retired after the 2008 season.
"Tom Moore was a great offensive coordinator for us," Colts wide receiver Pierre Garcon wrote on his Twitter page. "I wish him well with the New York Jets."
Moore isn't the only new member of the Jets staff. The New York Daily Newsreported Thursday that Jim McNally also has been hired in a consultant role.
McNally, an offensive line guru with 28 years of NFL experience, most recently served as offensive line coach for the Buffalo Bills from 2004 to 2007. Like Moore, McNally primarily will work from home.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
