FLORHAM PARK, N.J. � Jets coach Rex Ryan sent a game ball to Marty Schottenheimer after last weekend�s playoff upset of the San Diego Chargers, the team that fired the father of New York�s offensive coordinator following a 14-2 regular season.

Brian Schottenheimer said he was touched when he learned of his boss� gesture Tuesday � and joked that it didn�t even occur to him to do it.
Marty Schottenheimer was fired in February 2007 after the Chargers lost their first playoff game despite having the NFL�s best record that season. He had 35 wins and two AFC West titles in his last three seasons in San Diego, where his son was quarterbacks coach from 2002-05.
�It felt nice to pick up the phone after the game and talk to my father,� Brian Schottenheimer said Thursday.
After Sunday�s 17-14 win, the son has a chance to do something his famous father never did as a head coach: reach the Super Bowl. The Jets play Sunday in the AFC championship game at Indianapolis.
Marty Schottenheimer is coaching college players at the East-West Shrine Game in Orlando, Fla., this week.