Jets fire Mangini

The New York Jets fired Coach Eric Mangini Monday after he failed to take the team into the playoffs despite a strong season start.

The Jets (9-7) lost four of their final five games, after starting out 8-3.

New York fans had high hopes when Brett Favre arrived with the Jets, particularly after a 34-13 victory at previously unbeaten Tennessee.

However, the team’s five-game winning streak was followed by the late- season slide that cost Mangini his job.