Rex Ryan’s Jet Reunion: Reporter Reveals Why Beloved Coach Could be Back
Don’t disregard ESPN analyst Rex Ryan in the New York Jets’ head-coaching search.
Per ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Ryan will interview with the Jets on Tuesday in Palm Beach, Florida. The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt suggested that Ryan’s relationship with Jets owner Woody Johnson may give him an edge over other candidates.
“As for Ryan, he hasn’t coached in the NFL since the Bills fired him in 2016,” wrote Rosenblatt in a piece published Tuesday. “But he should be considered a serious candidate for one simple reason: He has a positive relationship with Johnson, and part of his pitch will be easy: ‘Hey Woody, who was the last coach to lead the Jets to the playoffs?'”
New York hasn’t made the playoffs in 14 years, the longest active drought in the NFL. When Ryan was the Jets’ head coach from 2009 to 2014, he made the AFC Championship Game in his first two seasons but went 22-26 in his last three.
However, in a Monday interview with ESPN New York Radio, Ryan said he has “100 percent confidence” the Jets will hire him.
“I’m not meeting somebody for the first time,” Ryan said (h/t Rosenblatt). “They know me. Woody knows who I am. [Jets vice chairman] Christopher Johnson knows who I am. And that’s great for me. There’s no BS in front of you, some guy selling you a bunch of crap. I’m not one of these phonies that you’re bringing in.”
It would still be stunning if Ryan landed the gig, and New York is reportedly targeting other candidates.
According to SNY-TV, the Jets have already interviewed former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel and former Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera. They plan to request an interview with Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
Figure on Ryan staying with ESPN, where he will probably continue to rant about his former team on “Sunday NFL Countdown.”
