Former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan says he expects that he is going to be called in to discuss returning to the team in their search for a new HC. Per ESPN broadcaster Jake Asman, “Rex Ryan tells me on @DRonESPN on @880ESPNNewYork that he expects to speak with the #Jets for their head coaching opening after the regular season ends.”
Rex Ryan tells me on @DRonESPN on @880ESPNNewYork that he expects to speak with the #Jets for their head coaching opening after the regular season ends.
— Jake Asman (@JakeAsman)
December 30, 2024
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Ryan has a long and complex history with the Jets, so it would not be shocking if he were to be in discussion for the team’s new HC. On the other hand, Ryan did achieve a career-worst record of 4-12 in 2014 when he was coaching the team, so there might be some hard feelings there.
Ryan served as the team’s head coach from 2009 to 2014, achieving early success with back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances in his first two seasons.
However, despite the strong start, Ryan’s tenure ultimately soured. The team’s failure to reach the Super Bowl after those two seasons led to frustration and his last three years were marked by a disappointing 18-30 record.
After being fired by the Jets, Ryan moved on to coach the Buffalo Bills from 2015 to 2016, but he was let go mid-season and has not coached in the NFL since.
Head Coach Rex Ryan of the New York Jets smiles as he addresses the media at the announcement that the New York Jets will be the featured team on the HBO Show, “Hard Knocks: Training…
Head Coach Rex Ryan of the New York Jets smiles as he addresses the media at the announcement that the New York Jets will be the featured team on the HBO Show, “Hard Knocks: Training Camp With The New York Jets” on March 25, 2010 in Florham Park, New Jersey. The Five-part sports-based reality series will begin airing on August 11, 2010.
Al Pereira/Getty Images
The Jets, who have not made a playoff appearance since 2010, are now searching for a new head coach following the firing of Robert Saleh on October 8. This marks the latest chapter in what has become the NFL’s longest active playoff drought.
Ryan’s tenure in New York coincided with that of Mike Tannenbaum, who served as the team’s General Manager. Tannenbaum, who now works with The 33rd Team, an advisory group assisting the Jets with their coaching search, brings a familiar face to the process, adding some nostalgic intrigue to the idea of Ryan returning.
Ryan’s time with the Jets began with great promise, highlighted by back-to-back trips to the AFC Championship Game in 2009 and 2010.
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Now, as the Jets look to end their playoff drought, they’ve also scheduled an interview with former Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera for their open position this week.
Ryan has openly discussed his desire to return to the Jets, so it’s not surprising he’d be talking himself up right now. In an appearance on “Pardon My Take” in November, he described himself as having “unfinished business.”
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxtR85-CR6g?feature=oembed&w=200&h=113]
“I think I have some unfinished business, especially with [the Jets],” Ryan said. “That particular franchise, you know my dad [Buddy Ryan] was there forever, he won a Super Bowl, and it’s super close to me. I would get back in it if I thought I could make a difference and I think I could make a big difference with that team.”
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