In a significant development for the New York Jets, former coach Rex Ryan has returned for an interview concerning the head coaching vacancy. Ryan, who previously guided the team to their last playoff appearance in the 2010 season, met with team owner Woody Johnson and other senior executives on Tuesday.
Rex Ryan, now an ESPN analyst, held the head coaching position for the Jets for six seasons, achieving a 50-52 record, which included a 4-2 playoff performance. He was dismissed from the team after the 2014 season. Since then, Ryan has openly expressed his interest in returning to the role. During a recent appearance on ESPN New York radio, Ryan declared, “Oh, 100%, absolutely, I do. The reason I think I’m going to get it is because I’m the best guy for it. It ain’t close.”
Ryan’s interview marks him as the third known candidate the Jets have considered for the position. Prior to Ryan, the team conducted meetings with former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel and Ron Rivera, who has coached both the Carolina Panthers and Washington teams. Interim Jets coach Jeff Ulbrich, who took over after Robert Saleh’s dismissal in October, is also expected to interview for the position this week.
In addition to filling the coaching position, the Jets are in search of a new general manager following Joe Douglas’s firing in November. Interviews have already been conducted with former Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff, ex-Tennessee Titans GM Jon Robinson, Senior Bowl executive Jim Nagy, and Louis Riddick, a former NFL executive and current ESPN analyst.
Rex Ryan remains a pivotal figure for the Jets, known for his charismatic presence and tactical acumen. His initial tenure with the team was marked by success, notably due to his aggressive defensive strategy and a strong running game. However, the team’s performance waned in subsequent seasons, leading to his eventual dismissal.
Ryan’s NFL journey continued with the Buffalo Bills, where he served as head coach for two seasons before being let go with one game remaining in the 2016 season, finishing with a 15-16 record.
Looking forward, a critical decision for the new coach and general manager will involve the future of star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers faces uncertainty about his 21st NFL season and his future with the Jets, who might release him. Ryan, speaking on ESPN New York radio, indicated that if Rodgers returns, changes in handling the quarterback are likely, criticizing Rodgers’ absence from a mandatory minicamp due to a prior commitment in Egypt.
Ryan stated, “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,” highlighting his intention to instill more discipline should he be rehired.
The ongoing search for a new head coach and general manager signals a pivotal moment for the New York Jets organization. With Rex Ryan’s candidacy, the team explores the potential of rekindling past successes while addressing present challenges, such as Aaron Rodgers’ future. As the Jets deliberate over their options, the decisions made in the coming weeks could significantly impact the team’s trajectory.
Source: News4jax
