Fast Break

NFL

Chatman picks New York Jets

The New York Jets signed free-agent running back Jesse Chatman, a former standout with Eastern Washington University, to a one-year deal Sunday.

Chatman, out of football in 2006, ran for a career-high 515 yards and a touchdown for Miami last season and caught 27 passes for 161 yards.

The signing gives the Jets depth at the running back position with Thomas Jones and Leon Washington already on the team. Chatman, 28, worked with Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer when the two were with the San Diego Chargers a few years ago.

The 5-foot-8, 220-pound Chatman spent his first three NFL seasons with San Diego from 2002-04, but was released by the Chargers in July 2005. He signed with the Dolphins before that season, but was traded to New Orleans after being inactive the first five games. Chatman was then inactive for three games with the Saints before they also released him.

After sitting out a year and losing 60 pounds, Chatman was again signed by the Dolphins and revived his NFL career.

NFL

Former Vandal signs with Titans

Former University of Idaho offensive lineman Jake Scott agreed to terms on a multiyear contract with the Tennessee Titans on Monday.

The unrestricted free agent played for the Indianapolis Colts the past four seasons, starting 57 games, including a current streak of 55. All but four of his starts came at right guard.

The Tennessean reported Scott’s deal will average just less than $5 million per year.

Scott has eight career playoff starts, including the Colts’ Super Bowl win in 2006. He was the fifth-round pick of the Colts in the 2004 NFL draft.

College basketball

Olson will return to Arizona

University of Arizona men’s coach Lute Olson said he is returning next season and will attempt to finish out his contract, which concludes in 2011.

He’ll be 76 by then.

“I am very eager to be back doing what I love, which is coaching this team,” the Hall of Famer said in a prepared statement Monday. “I appreciate everyone’s support during this period and want to thank (interim coach) Kevin O’Neill for the great job he’s done in my absence.”

Olson said his leave from the team was necessitated “by a medical condition that was not life-threatening, but serious enough to require time away from my coaching responsibilities.”

In announcing his leave of absence Nov. 4, Olson issued a press release to “reassure everyone that this isn’t a health scare, but rather a personal matter that needs my undivided attention.”

On Dec. 6, he asked for a leave through the remainder of the season. However, he has returned to his office a few times in the past month.