Rex Ryan has made a notable return to the New York Jets for an interview regarding their vacant head coaching position. The ex-Jets coach and current ESPN analyst, who was at the helm during the franchise’s last playoff run in 2010, engaged in discussions with team officials on Tuesday regarding the role.
Ryan’s tenure with the Jets spanned six seasons, where he compiled a record of 50-52 overall, including a playoff record of 4-2. He was dismissed after the 2014 season but has since expressed keen interest in reclaiming his former position, claiming during recent media appearances that he considers himself the ideal candidate for the job. “Oh, 100%, absolutely, I do,” he stated. “The reason I think I’m going to get it is because I’m the best guy for it. It ain’t close.”
Currently, Ryan is the third known individual to interview for the coaching position, following discussions with former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel and ex-Carolina and Washington coach Ron Rivera within the past week. Additionally, interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich, who led the team to a 3-9 record since taking over for the dismissed Robert Saleh, is scheduled to interview for the permanent role later this week.
During his radio discussion, Ryan emphasized the importance of building a connection with both the football team and its supporters. “The way they play, that’s the most important thing. It’s not just the X’s and O’s and all that,” he remarked.
The Jets are also in the process of replacing their general manager after terminating Joe Douglas in November. Candidates already interviewed include former Atlanta Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff, Jon Robinson who formerly held the GM position at Tennessee, Senior Bowl executive Jim Nagy, and Louis Riddick, an ex-NFL executive and current ESPN analyst.
Ryan emerges as a compelling candidate for the coaching position, owing to his previous relationship with team owner Woody Johnson and his successful initial years with the franchise. Known for his charismatic and bold persona in press conferences, Ryan quickly became a favorite among fans. His coaching style combined a strong defensive presence with an effective ground game, instilling a sense of toughness in the team. However, the Jets struggled to maintain their early momentum, missing the playoffs during his last four seasons with the organization.
Post-Jets, Ryan took on a coaching role with the Buffalo Bills but did not complete his second season, tallying a record of 15-16 before his release in 2016. Since then, he has remained outside of coaching and has focused on his work as a television analyst.
One of the key decisions that the new coach and general manager will face is regarding quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is contemplating whether to continue his career in the NFL for a 21st season. Rodgers has indicated he will take time to reflect during the offseason about his future, being aware that if he remains in the league, it may not be with the Jets, who could potentially let him go.
Ryan mentioned during his ESPN New York radio discussion that if he assumes the coaching role and Rodgers decides to return, significant changes would be implemented at the facility. He referred to Rodgers’ absence from mandatory minicamp due to a trip he took to Egypt during his recovery, stating, “Clearly, when you have a guy that doesn’t show up for mandatory minicamp — and, by the way, he’s your quarterback coming off an injury — I think that’s an absolutely ridiculous message you send to the team.” Ryan concluded with a strong assertion: “If he’s back, it ain’t gonna be the country club, show up whenever the hell you want to show up. That ain’t gonna happen. I’ll just leave it at that.”
